Consumer Grade Breast Pump

Customer Need:

We listened to the customer who was a startup organization.  They needed multiple products developed.  They sought commercial and consumer grade breast pumps.  The requirements -- an appealing style and attention to manufacturability.  We started from a functioning breadboard.

Added Value:

Working with the customer we developed two models -- with and without handles.  TriAxial integrated a vacuum pump, motor, and regulator.   We designed the mounting frame, injection molded housing, custom knobs, interface, and hinged support to hold suction fittings.

Result:

We delivered two integrated Breast Pump systems with TriAxial mechanics and packaging , and customer-supplied electronics.  We achieved customer’s expectation in about 8 weeks.  These became the client’s first products and helped launch the company.

Dental Implants

Customer Need:

We listened to the customer.  They wanted to revise an existing product line of dental implants.  This required precise design and tooling changes.  Also, TriAxial had to address user assembly issues, precise tolerances, and encountered difficulties with existing drill bits.  

Added Value:

Working with the customer, we performed layouts, designs, and analysis of various dental implant components and installation instruments.  We designed drill bits, drivers, implants, screws, and abutments.  Also, TriAxial assisted by providing design documentation and analysis for FDA validation.

Result:

Our deliverable was a seamless transition to a complete series of drill bits modeled to exact 3D specifications.  The customer was impressed by the extreme accuracy of the models, the ability to support the entire design effort, and the skills TriAxial has assisting in the FDA regulation process.

Urological Gripper / Scissors

Customer Need:

We listened to the customer who had an application for a Urological Gripper/ Scissors.  They provided well-thought-out concept sketches and a patent with which to adhere.  They had the functions conceptually designed, but had many challenges in manufacturability and surgeon ergonomics.

Added Value:

Working with the customer and their sketches, we completed several urological instrument designs.  Major design considerations included material selection, tolerances, joining processes, and assembly considerations. Other challenges included machining very small components and insufficient wall thickness to machine threads on the outside of smaller size tubes.  We sought out potential surgical instrument manufacturers for reviewing construction feasibility.  Then, after incorporating these guidelines and building prototypes, we assisted in  performance evaluation.

Result:

Our deliverables were a complete design and the documentation package.  We also brought to light many ideas on how features can be improved for next the generation of instruments.  The customer was impressed by how we deftly went from sketches to working system totally by 3D methods. 

Spinal Implant Instruments

Customer Need:

We listened to the needs our customer who manufactures spinal implant products.  They sought to develop a family of instruments for implant insertion.  They had similar equipment that formed the basis for the ergonomic interfaces and industrial design, but sought to create an additional series of tools and implants with various complexity and functionality.

Added Value:

Working directly with the doctors at the company, we designed a family of products.  Features included multiple interfaces for connecting implants, a quick-release on handle to release inner rod, and ease of assembly / disassembly by the surgeons during the operations. 

Result:

Our deliverables were a complete set of designs, documentation, and assembly drawings enabling prototype builds.  Customer satisfaction was achieved and these designs have been manufactured and are being evaluated in early functional testing.

Pedicle Screw System

Customer Need:

We listened to our medical device customer.  They sought an improved method for clamping pedicle screws.  They commissioned TriAxial to develop a design based on conceptual sketches.  These fasteners had to be designed to fit within the established surgical tray constraints.  There were various diameters and lengths to the family of products.

Added Value:

Working with the customer, we designed the screw threads, a head, and an unique clamping configuration for prototype manufacture.  Also, we developed instruments for installing the system and rod.

Result:

Our deliverables were a pedicle screw system and family accurately 3D modeled with a complete set of design documentation.  Customer satisfaction was achieved by meeting their design, documentation, time and cost objectives.  These have been built in prototypes and are being used in trials. 

Medical Vacuum Pump

Customer Need:

We listened to the customer and they had the need to redesign a medical vacuum pump with the goals of an improved elegant appearance with a more organic appearance.  They also sought manufacturing cost reduction through reduction of parts and ease of assembly.  Another challenge was to provide an innovative, digitally adjustable regulator.

Added Value:

Working from conceptual sketches and with the customer, TriAxial repackaged existing internal mechanical components.  We designed a clever quasi-digital  vacuum regulator that functioned based upon specific vacuum gage readings.  This correlated to specific knob increments.  The injection molded PC-ABS housing design was a collaboration between TriAxial (working on primary layout, modeling, and specifications of housing components) and an overseas supplier.

Result:

The overall result was a nicely optimized visually appealing mechanical system.  Our deliverables were a compelling design and a complete design documentation package.  Also, we reduced cost and reduced the molded housing to a clean clamp-shell design — two parts versus the previous 4 to 5 parts.  Customer satisfaction was very high and the results contributed to the company value.  This, in part, led to the company being acquired.