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TEKTRONIX
Tektronix is known for manufacturing oscilloscopes, which measure and display electrical voltage or current. These oscilloscopes range in shape and size based on their function. The users of these devices are primarily engineers who need to transport the oscilloscopes from one area to another. Making oscilloscopes mobile is a challenge due to their varying sizes and how an engineer's workspace is arranged. Our goal was to create three carts that would be flexible for the end-user.
Current Carts
The final concepts are shown above and below with the last round of adjustments. These changes were made due to prototype feedback as well as to meet the target price.
Development
Presentation
After presenting our first concepts to Tektronix, we made some key refinements demonstrated in the renderings below. We kept the rotating shelves for use case flexibility and the "Peg Board" like technology wrap. This "Peg Board" allows users to use the anodized accessories we created for them, while also allowing them to use off the shelf "Peg Board" accessories. The carts are all made from aluminum and steel that are either anodized or powder coated.
Prototypes
After approval from Tektronix, we partnered with engineering to ensure our design could be implemented. There were some minor tweaks to make the carts more cost-effective and structurally sound. We then created prototypes so Tektronix could test these designs in their environment and while performing daily tasks. These prototypes were evaluated for three months and we made small adjustments based on their feedback.
MERIT MEDICAL
Merit Medical needed a cart to hold their new product, the Scout. Essentially, the Scout seeks out cancerous cells in a lesion. It is a wire-free radar localization system that detects a reflector, smaller than a grain of rice, that can be placed into the target tissue. The Scout reflector is completely non-radioactive and has no restrictions on the length of time it can remain in the lesion. Previously, Merit Medical used the Scout by holding it in a hand and a briefcase that carried the guide holder and the reflector.
Current Device and Parts
Presentation
Merit Medical had a short timeline, so we created the design within a week. Since the cart would be used in many locations throughout a hospital, it needed to be highly mobile while compact. The design of this cart emulates the Scout's design. We created a holder for the guide handpiece that is available on either side of the cart. Also, the briefcase became unnecessary since the guide now has a home within the cart. Below the Scout device, the bins serve as storage space. This design also affords many different areas for the user to hang the cord of the Scout and the cord of the guide.
Prototypes
Once our design was approved, we partnered with engineering to ensure our design could be implemented. Engineering did not require many changes, so we were able to create a prototype for Merit Medical to test. They tested it and got initial reactions from actual end-users; nurses and doctors.
The prototype was tested in the field for a few weeks before we received feedback. We made a couple of small adjustments to the cart as shown in the images above and below. The main edit we made was to remove the front over grab and replace it with an under grab.
DEPUY SYNTHES
DePuy Synthes is an orthopedic and neurosurgery company that is part of the Johnson & Johnson family. The ask was to create their first spinal cart where the cart itself would be robotic and it would carry a robotic arm. They requested that the cart be as small as possible while also keeping it completely stable during surgery. While this cart will not be in production for a while, they wanted to ensure a cohesive design between the cart and the robotic arm.
Competitors
Development
Since this project was in its infancy within DePuy Synthes, the components and planned use cases were not initially clear. Once we were able to clarify the components and objectives, we created some concepts. Since the objective was to make a prototype that would only be used by DePuy Synthes internally, we were not able to get the robotic arm or any other internal components. That also meant that this prototype design had to be easy to take apart to insert the components.
The final design had a very small footprint while maintaining stability, especially while the robotic arm is in use during surgery. The cart was crafted with plastic and steel parts.
Prototypes
Once the design was approved, we partnered with engineering to ensure this design could be properly implemented. It was key for the mechanical cart lift to function and have the indicator light illuminated during a surgical operation. We designed the outer shell of the cart such that no tools would be needed to install the internal parts and the robotic arm.
In this prototype video, the cart is lowered and raised with a remote. This ensures stability during a surgical operation and allows for height control at a distance.
PROJECTS