Snap Shot - Keeping On Target

Keeping On Target

The Setting: Our client is one of the leading manufacturers of Laser Targeting Systems used with CT Scanning and Radiation devices. It's a solid robust design that Installation Technicians enjoy and customers depend on. The main structure supporting the Targeting system utilized standard 8020 aluminum extrusions. However, competitive designs looked better, and our client was starting to lose market share.		The Outcome: 1. BIT 7 develops a clean modern design. 2. A custom aluminum extrusion provided the styling needed and the modularity between models. 3. The fully working unit was delivered for the show in two months. 4. The component suppliers were established and ready for production.
Product Development Objective: Develop a stylish product, yet maintain the repeatability and reliability of the Targeting System (+/- 0.5mm at a distance of 3 meters in a range of 70 cm). Avoid or minimize tooling cost with volumes at approximately 20 per year. Improve functionality and modularity to reduce inventories, and have the first models ready for a show in 2 months.		What's Next? If the new style is favorably received at the show, orders can be placed and products delivered for installation immediately. The supply base is already established and the installation technicians are familiar with the new product.
Design strategy: BIT 7 Industrial Designers and Mechanical Engineers met with our client's Engineers, Marketing, and Installation Technicians to discuss the current system specifications and goals for the new model. The components were modeled with close attention to modularity between models, ease of installation, calibration, and servicing. BIT 7 completed the detail design of all components in Solidworks. BIT 7 worked with the manufacturing shops to coordinate first models and develop quality control drawing for the floor.		And what does our client have to say? "BIT 7 did a great job developing a new design with a short deadline, great job, I was surprised. We are having very positive feed back from our OEM's, and the installation is easier due to the weight reduction."