3D Scanning for Bus Partition Renovation and Noise Reduction

This article discusses how Ecuadorian 3D tech provider BSTAR used 3D scanning for bus partition renovation. They 3D scanned the problematic part with the EinScan HX and redesigned it in Solid Edge.

Introduction

Bus drivers in Quito, Ecuador, are exposed to excessive noise on the job due to poorly designed parts in their cockpit. It’s been affecting their work conditions for years, and the problem is present on hundreds of the city’s buses.

The municipality therefore reached out to BSTAR, an Ecuadorian tech service provider, to find a cost-effective solution. BSTAR’s engineer’s used the SHINING 3D EinScan HX and Solid Edge for this challenge.

One of Quito city’s 800+ buses.

• Name: BSTAR (BSTARTECHNOLOGY S.A.)
• Product: 3D scanning and design service, 3D printer supply
• Location: Quito, Ecuador
• Need: Redesign an unfit, rattling partition that was causing excessive noise
• Solutions: EinScan HX and Solid Edge
• Result: Fast and efficient design of a new partition with a tight fit

Faulty Design Affects 800 Buses and Drivers

The bustling capital city of Quito is home to over 2 million inhabitants. Its public transportation system features several options: metro lines, railways, bicycle sharing, and buses.

The bus system “Metrobus-Q” is a popular option. Over 800 buses roam the city to cater to its 750,000 daily passengers. It’s the backbone of the city’s transportation system, and an excellent option for its users.

However, on the drivers’ side, the buses pose a serious problem.

Each bus has partitions next to the front seat, destined to separate and protect the driver from the crowd. The issue is that these partitions don’t properly fit the cockpit. This faulty design results in an excessive rattling noise that the drivers must withstand 8 hours a day.

It’s been affecting their hearing and well-being for years, and it’s present on each of the 800 buses. The municipality of Quito decided to contact the BSTAR team for a complete redesign of the partitions.

The bus cockpit and the partitions.

3D Scanning for Bus Partition Renovation

To eliminate the rattling noise, BSTAR needed to accurately measure the cockpit and design a custom-fit partition. They decided to use the SHINING 3D EinScan HX 3D scanner for the measuring part.

This handheld 3D scanning solution was ideal for this case for several reasons.

For one, it was easy to bring on the bus; no tripods or complex setups involved. Its portability also enabled the technician to access the narrow spaces all around and under the driver’s seat.