Likamed Vario 3I
BRIEF
The Likawave Vario 3i is a shock wave therapy device used for treating conditions such as calcific shoulder or heel spurs.
A housing for the control unit and the device itself, must be designed for the new, high-performance device.
The housing should be made of sheet metal and be able to integrate a 10″ touch display.
The handheld device should allow various hand positions and according to that, be ergonomically shaped. Finally, the control unit and handheld device should form a design unit.
elbow
shin
shoulder
heel
Product AnalysIs
The front part of the excitation unit is a metal cap, that is set in motion by a metal piston with a 12cm length. The overall device is powered by a motor located in the control unit. Inside the handheld device is a valve that triggers the desired movement depending on the selected program.
The handheld device had a very technical look and caused pressure points on the user’s hand. This had to be optimized with the new design.
Construction
The production of the two plastic shells using the 2K injection molding process was proposed. The two shells should have openings for the control knob, the interchangeable metal application cap, the data and power cable ports.
Our goal was to develop an ergonomic, modern handheld device. The device’s handling was carefully reviewed for this.
According to the „Made in Germany“ label, the device is supposed to be extremely robust and easy to maintain.
IDEATION
FIRST IDEATION SKETCHES
A variety of formal ideas, based on simple sketches and 2D renderings were discussed.
REALIZATION
One argument in favor of this design was that the device technology that had been installed could be retained.
The device is ergonomically ideal because it offers the user many different grip options where they are needed. The grip areas are rubberized and provide additional grip.
The idea of the design was to take up and visualize the model name „LIKAWAVE“ with the help of the curved, mold separation of the two shells running diagonally over the grip area.
Product AnalysIs
IDEATION
The design focused on developing a modern, ergonomic control unit that stands out visually while ensuring ease of operation. A critical requirement was that the housing be manufacturable in-house using standard metalworking techniques.
FINAL DESIGN
FROM SKETCH TO CAD
The control unit is facing the user. The ergonomic design was further emphasized by the chosen housing shape.
In the following month the associated transportation unit was designed by a colleague.