Designs that Work!
Gemini™ Case Study
form + function
Copyright 2011 Bilitz Design Inc.
SM
"I believe that a successful design is one where art and engineering compliment each other and where the form enhances the mechanics. Therefore, it is more accurate to say, 'form-is-function'", said Mark.
In today's virtual world, "modeling" has taken on new meaning. Most people immediately associate modeling with CAD. They forget that there are different methods of making models and each has its benefits. In the case of Gemini, while sketching ideas, Mark took parallel paths both in the shop making functional models and on CAD making virtual models. "I think it is just as important to learn why an idea doesn't work and making both kinds of models does that. The benefits of this strategy are a greater degree of confidence while I sketch and it minimizes delays caused by sending out CAD files prematurely to make machined parts ".
With each successive model the solution came closer to its final form. Input from surgeons, manufacturing engineers, and vendors was solicited with anticipation. Sometimes the input necessitated changes. For example, the trigger and safety were added later in the design process. It was a lot of work to incorporate these features for the next lab as nearly every component had to be redesigned, including the shape of the case, which was at this point, well received. "It's a sign of a quality company to improve its products and make improvements midstream, even though it may involve some backtracking", Mark stated. Fortunately, the effort paid off. It turned out that the company's willingness to make the improvements yielded a patent-pending feature.
In the end, the product was successfully launched in a timely fashion. "Positive feedback from the customer (e.g., cardiac surgeons) was received shortly following the product launch; however specific accolades were directed at the intuitive integration of a radio frequency trigger on the handle that allowed the surgeons to regain full control of the product. Additionally, the vastly improved comfort and feel of the ergonomic design provided assurance that the voice of the customer was being addressed with this device", stated David Kim of Medtronic Cardiac Surgery. The client liked the design's cost and ease of assembly, not to mention the relatively short development cycle of less than one year. Most importantly, the market impact of the Gemini was significant for a couple of fundamental reasons: This product represents the cornerstone to the fundamental shift of surgical ablation tools from open chest to minimal invasive procedures. As a testament to the Company's mission statement, this product "contributes to the human welfare by applying biomedical engineering to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life". The benefits to both the patient and the hospital are equally significant as this product can significantly reduce both the OR and recovery times. Additionally, the long term financial prospective for the Gemini appears to be very favorable based on the surgeon feedback.
In today's virtual world, "modeling" has taken on new meaning. Most people immediately associate modeling with CAD. They forget that there are different methods of making models and each has its benefits. In the case of Gemini, while sketching ideas, Mark took parallel paths both in the shop making functional models and on CAD making virtual models. "I think it is just as important to learn why an idea doesn't work and making both kinds of models does that. The benefits of this strategy are a greater degree of confidence while I sketch and it minimizes delays caused by sending out CAD files prematurely to make machined parts ".
With each successive model the solution came closer to its final form. Input from surgeons, manufacturing engineers, and vendors was solicited with anticipation. Sometimes the input necessitated changes. For example, the trigger and safety were added later in the design process. It was a lot of work to incorporate these features for the next lab as nearly every component had to be redesigned, including the shape of the case, which was at this point, well received. "It's a sign of a quality company to improve its products and make improvements midstream, even though it may involve some backtracking", Mark stated. Fortunately, the effort paid off. It turned out that the company's willingness to make the improvements yielded a patent-pending feature.
In the end, the product was successfully launched in a timely fashion. "Positive feedback from the customer (e.g., cardiac surgeons) was received shortly following the product launch; however specific accolades were directed at the intuitive integration of a radio frequency trigger on the handle that allowed the surgeons to regain full control of the product. Additionally, the vastly improved comfort and feel of the ergonomic design provided assurance that the voice of the customer was being addressed with this device", stated David Kim of Medtronic Cardiac Surgery. The client liked the design's cost and ease of assembly, not to mention the relatively short development cycle of less than one year. Most importantly, the market impact of the Gemini was significant for a couple of fundamental reasons: This product represents the cornerstone to the fundamental shift of surgical ablation tools from open chest to minimal invasive procedures. As a testament to the Company's mission statement, this product "contributes to the human welfare by applying biomedical engineering to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life". The benefits to both the patient and the hospital are equally significant as this product can significantly reduce both the OR and recovery times. Additionally, the long term financial prospective for the Gemini appears to be very favorable based on the surgeon feedback.
Copyright Medtronic, Inc.
Industrial Design
p2
Engineering
