Medical Product Development – Medisyne

Background

4D Products were approached by Oxford based medical R&D consultants Medisyne to assist with the development of an automated Urine monitoring device known as INFLUx. The purpose of the device is to assist medical staff with the time consuming process of regular patient Urine monitoring. This requirement became particularly relevant during the Covid pandemic where staff have been stretched for time more than ever.

Concept Development

Following extensive discussions with the client, it became apparent that adapting the design to facilitate the use of standard, disposable Catheter bags over a removable measuring chamber was a more practical solution. This led to a complete re-think on the method of urine measurement.

4D shared several variations of the measuring mechanism with Medisyne in the form of simple profile schematics. Once the mechanism concept was agreed, it was then be incorporated into an enclosure design. Again, at concept level, a range of enclosure options were presented to the client in sketch form and the product concept as a whole began to take shape.

Detailed Design 

Once the preferred concept design was agreed, the project advanced to 3D CAD. A detailed CAD model was built and regular updates were shared with Medisyne through-out the process in order to evolve the design as required.

At this stage, visuals became more refined and finer details within the enclosure were developed.

Prototyping 

Prototyping was used at various stages of the development. During the concept development phase, 4D made use of their internal 3D printers to produce simple test rigs to quickly prove or disprove ideas on the measurement mechanism and electronics configuration.

Once in a position to proceed to a working prototype, 4D worked with trusted local and International suppliers to produce a range of parts using SLA, SLA Elastomer and machined and formed metals.

4D were also tasked with developing a solution for the electronics and worked closely with a with a local suppler. Utilising a Raspberry Pi, touch screen, laser measure sensor and range of other available available components, 4D were able to produce a working prototype that accurately measured incremental Urine levels up to 2 litres. Extensive testing was carried out to measure the accuracy of the readings displayed.

Marketing Assistance

As part of Medisyne’s marketing campaign, 4D Products were asked to prepare a range of different content. Rendered visuals in 2D and animated sequences were created to show the product in situ on the hospital bed and demonstrate the LED colour change and appearance in day and night time settings.

More information can be found on the Medisyne Website. https://www.medisyne.co.uk/influx