Product Design
Sidekick Mobile Panel Positioner
A mobile remote-controlled x-ray panel positioning partner that allows an x-ray tech to manipulate the panel while keeping the machine's frame in view.
- Customer
- Techno-Aide (opens in a new tab)
- Industry
- Medical
- Service
- Product Design
- to adjust panel position from across the room
- 4 powered motions
- from concept to trade-show delivery
- 12 months
The challenge
- Wireless operation
- Keep design flexible enough to fit in as many x-ray rooms and scenarios as possible
- Create an aesthetic that fits in with other x-ray equipment
- Add safety measures for use in a medical environment
What APTUS did
- Designed four powered motions into the product
- Defined an aesthetic that works well alongside most x-ray machines
- Integrated safety sensors into powered motions and used medical-rated materials and components
- Worked rigorously with a thermoformer in Canada under a tight deadline to deliver finished prototypes directly to the trade show
Partners
- Thermoforming: Truvaplast
- Linear actuator solutions: LINAK
Results
- The x-ray tech can keep eyes on the machine's frame of view while making adjustments
- Debuted on time at RSNA Scientific Assembly
- The Sidekick is in Techno-Aide's product line (see techno-aide.com)
See it in action
Play video: Sidekick + Omni Wheel (YouTube)
Play video: The Sidekick is Here! (YouTube)
What went into it
- Industrial DesignHow it looks, feels, and fits in your hand.
- Mechanical DesignThe parts and mechanisms that make it work.
- Electrical DesignPower, wiring, and circuits, safe and easy to service.
- Controls & ProgrammingThe logic that tells a machine what to do, and when.
- PrototypingWorking models you can hold, test, and show.
- Testing & ValidationProving it works before it ships.
- Design for ManufacturingDesigned from day one to be easy to build.
