While no two machine design tasks are identical, the process of cost-effectively designing and building machines has many constant elements.
From simple mechanisms to computer-controlled robotic marvels, The Pilot Group is expert at performing design, analysis and fabrication on a schedule and for a fixed price.
Instrumentation
Instrument design often requires consideration of the operator and his environment. Our experience measurement systems and user interfaces allows us to design instrumentation that is easy to use as well as accurate and precise.
Optics
TPG has a long history in optomechanical design. For almost 20 years, clientele in military, astronomical, and medical fields have made use of our expertise to design and fabricate a diverse array of optical instrumentation and inspection equipment.
Documentation and DFMA
Full CAD models, detailed drawings with assembly instructions, and complete turnkey production versions of your design are all available. We can tailor your design to whatever production quantity you desire and even handle your low volume production needs efficiently in-house.
Control Systems Design
Control systems require expertise in both the physical system and the theoretical underpinnings.
The Pilot Group can bring a broad range of abilities to bear on most projects. As a result, we are able to cost-effectively design and integrate almost any control system needed.
Industrial Systems
Using standard computing tools, electronics, and off-the-shelf components, we can design robust control systems for most industrial and research applications. We have built hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanically and electromagnetically actuated control systems that conform to the strictest industrial standards, all at competitive prices and hard-to-beat delivery times.
Feedback Control
Feedback control is a science in and of itself. The Pilot Group is expert at analyzing the system, writing the software, and integrating the hardware necessary to control almost any system, including those involving non-linear plants and controllers. We have a history of achieving robust closed-loop performance where others find it difficult.
Electronics Design
Custom electronics is often a significant portion of prototype systems.
The Pilot Group has in-house expertise to design and fabricate custom electronics, both analog and digital.. We also have the experience to know when off-the-shelf solutions can be integrated to save you time and money.
Embedded Systems/Microcontrollers
Embedded controllers are often the best solution for stringent space, power, and processing requirements. From network-controlled motion systems to surgically implantable wireless data loggers, we very likely have the experience to design and build your device.
Analog and Digital
Our diverse range of experience means we can design electronics using a variety of techniques. We will choose the most efficient solution for your project combining digital and analog components or design to your specific demands.
Wireless Systems
Wireless communication opens up a whole new range of packaging possibilities. Having worked with a variety of wireless systems, we can design to most any desired protocol or integrate the best available wireless solution efficiently and seamlessly.
Structural Design
As a result of years of experience, The Pilot Group has developed a roster of cost effective fabrication shops. We make use of these expert fabricators to assemble the larger structures that we design and engineer. The empahsis is typically on functionality and ease of construction.
Analysis
Careful and targeted analysis forms the basis for the design we later produce. We also perform stand-alone analyses to establish the feasibiilty of a particular engineering concept.
Mechanical Analysis
For many complex structures, finite element analysis is necessary to validate design decisions. The Pilot Group however, does not rely on entirely FEA. Instead, we use it alongside classical analysis and experimentation to ensure that we deliver accurate and verified results.
Thermal Analysis
Countless problems can arise when thermal analysis of a design has been neglected . The Pilot Group is well equipped to evaluate problems with heat transfer and thermal dynamics. If precision, accuracy, or repeatability is lacking because of heat related issues, we can usually identify and often solve the problem.
Dynamics/Controls Analysis
Dynamic systems require specialized analytical techniques to make their design and control a tractable problem. From its inception, The Pilot Group has specialized in addressing the analytical needs of feedback control systems and system dynamics. Our experience allows us to solve many controls and dynamics problems in a manner that is often simple and direct.
