Blood Glucose Meter
Production design, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfM / DfA)
Background
A startup developed an innovative "lab-on-a-strip" technology for measuring blood sugar. The measurement principle and the electronics for reading the test strips were already in place.
Our role in this project in the field of medical technology was to develop a rugged handheld device and integrate the mechanical, electrical, and electronic assemblies.
The device was to be manufactured in large quantities. The goal was to keep the unit price as low as possible given the expected production volume.
Challenge
Measurement accuracy, reliability, and safety had to be ensured - despite significant cost pressures.
During the course of the project, the manual assembly effort was identified as a key cost driver. IIn addition, requirements had to be met for robustness and a stable interface with the test strips.
Our contribution
RAKKOON integrated the electrical and electronic components and developed the entire mechanical hardware.
RAKKOON developed the system architecture and the overall device concept.
Key areas
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Functional integration into a small number of highly integrated components (DfM)
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Assembly-Optimized housing architecture (DfA)
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Design and optimization of the test strip interface
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Robust design
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Functional validation through functional model development and prototype manufacturing
By using two-component injection molding, seals, grip areas, and device feet were integrated into the housing. The measuring head, produced using three-component injection molding, integrates the electronics carrier, optical elements, and elastic components.
Result
The assembly effort, assembly time, and assembly costs were significantly reduced. The result was a reader ready for mass production, which could be manufactured cost-effectively.