In order to get a small insight into real working life, two of my classmates and I decided to look for a diploma project. During our inquiries we found one at Hans Künz Inc. in Hard. For this project we want to design a mobile trash rake cleaning machine for hydro power stations and pump stations all over the world. This cleaning machine should enable the user to clean trash rakes up to a length of 30 meters. Furthermore the machine should easily be adaptable on different data (?) like rack inclination, lifting height, …
A limit was set considering the cost of the machine as it should not exceed 70.000€.

Key features of our cleaning machine include:
• width of rake: 2,00 m
• hoisting capacity: 5 kN
• lifting height: max. 6 m
• rack inclination: 0 - 20 °

The company does not only require the designing and planning of the machine, but also a cost calculation.

We are keen on trying to find a good solution and doing a good job. If the system works well, it will be used as a prototype for a new model series of trash rake cleaning machines.

We plan to finalize our work in May 2003.

During my summer vacations I already had the opportunity to work within these companies:

• Heizbösch, Walter Bösch KG Lustenau (8 weeks)
  In the first year at Heizbösch I worked in the logistics department, whereas in the second year my task was to assemble air condition systems.
  
• APS Robotics Höchst (9 weeks)
  Here I could design several parts for robot and water jet cutting systems and program applications for these machines.