CHALLENGE: The customer requested a design for a medical device enclosure that would be engineered to be durable, to have the proper aesthetics, and to be appealing to the user to operate, both in feel and function. There were also several design challenges to be addressed: to allow for assembly by a robot in a few steps as possible, while having all the features required to make the product function and have a good lifespan.
APPROACH: Initial shape concepts were applied to satisfy the functional needs, and a 3D model was produced. A physical prototype was 3D printed, and any manufacturing issues were addressed to accommodate large-scale production. Multiple 3D prototypes were created and equipment was then tested.
IMPACT: The final design was a manufacturable part that could be either 3D printed or injection molded, which allowed for flexibility during prototyping and full-scale production.