Innovation through design

The achievement of successful innovation through the application of practical mechanical design skills is described. Developments in the design of rock tunnel boring machines are outlined for the period from the boring of the 6km Poatina hydrolectric tunnel in Tasmania in 1957 to current day machines which can achieve boring rate in excess of 2 km per month. A variety of cutting tools are used depending upon the application. These include the disc cutter for hard rock, the drag bit cutter for softer rocks in mining operations and the newly proposed oscillating disc cutter. Other applications of innovative design which are described include compact high torque hydraulic motors, an innovative ship propeller and a violin suitable for modern mass production.