In the previous sections, we learned the weight reduction techniques in the two methods: a) reducing the material weight, b) designing lightweight and high-strength structures. In this section, we will learn how to build a lightweight and high-strength structure at its optimal design by considering these methods together.

(1) How to design a lightweight and high-strength structure for automation devices

The equipment structure of an automation device consists of the following two elements:

(2) How to design a lightweight and high-strength structure using the optimal shape

- Expand the above two elements into more detailed subjects so as to understand the overall design objective.

- Keep this overall objective in mind, and check the advantages and disadvantages against the similar structure designed in the past. This way, you can minimize the risk of failure when designing lightweight and high-strength structures.

(3) Accumulating and utilizing knowledge

- The designer of an automation device needs to check a considerable number of elements including those listed on the right side of the above figure.

- Therefore, the best way of minimizing the workload is to make improvements on the design of a certain type of the automation device and apply the accumulated knowledge to the similar design.