Putting it to the Test
Every theory needs proven. Just because it works in CAD doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work in real life. We try at the earliest stages in development to prove out mechanical and electrical mechanisms, by fabricating a series of functional “down and dirty” proof-of-concept models. Such models can aid in tolerance/clearance issues, establish a proof of function, all while keeping the design intent in focus. Quick proof.
A typical breadboard model is a quick and effective process to determine the function of mating parts, assemblies, or component configurations before the design CAD is developed for prototyping and/or manufacturing. Sometimes quick Objet printed parts or rapid, laser cut, two-dimensional acrylic linkages are all that is needed to negate or prove a mechanical concept. And, if the model needs to survive more robust endurance tests, we can make parts out of real materials such as aluminum or ABS. Need something to light up? We also breadboard electronic devices and instruments with the use of off-the-shelf jumper cables, tactile switches, potentiometers, accelerometers, LED’s, and even CPU’s to formalize the I/O.
Proof-of-Concept Prototypes Evaluate:
- Mechanism concepts
- Electro-mechanical models
- Ergonomic evaluation
- Electronics
- Theories
Case Study: CPR Assist Device
We made a quite a few proof-of-concept models to test on several pigs. Because a pig’s anatomy is the closest thing we have to humans, medical equipment is tested on swine cadavers before they’re used on real people.
Deca-Medics had a life-saving idea for a resuscitation device that would minimize the amount of fractured ribs and provide consistent chest compression while performing CPR. We fabricated dozens of primitive prototypes before the aesthetics were even considered. They were constructed from cardboard, wood, and plastic, prior to being machined from aluminum, stainless, and delrin. They were tested and circulated back to the drawing board for several reiterations before a final solution was achieved.