Patient Weight Increase Requires Hoist Redesign by IDC

With obesity on the rise in Britain, the international product development agency, Industrial Design Consultancy Ltd (IDC), has recently completed a patient hoist redesign for moving and handling experts, Chiltern Invadex (UK) Ltd.

As well as undergoing a full revamp in terms of look and feel, the redesigned Wispa Plus Ceiling Mounted Hoist Range also accommodates patients weighing up to 190kg (418lbs).

Marc Tanner, Head of Design at IDC, explains, "Chiltern has long-since established itself in the medical market. This was an opportunity to make the product much more subtle and visually appealing, without compromising on function and quality, consolidating its position in a competitive marketplace."

IDC's team of product designers worked with onsite engineers to devise a semi-invisible, 'soft' look, which would not be noticeable on the ceiling to patients and visitors. All distinguishing features were carefully incorporated into the design, such as the hand control air pressure system, which produces a burst of air up a pipe to the power switch if the product becomes wet, for heightened safety during use.

Following extensive research into Chiltern's own range of hoist models and competitor products, traditional pencil sketch ideas identified the design direction and this was then applied to CAD for external renderings by IDC product developers. Chiltern had previously made their prototypes using the vacuum forming/thermo forming manufacturing process, however IDC's new CAD design was used to create a prototype by injection moulding. IDC was able to control costs by working alongside IDC Models, with its extensive experience in this area. IDC Models' SLA prototype machine was used and the resulting model was then evaluated to identify weak areas, which could then be redesigned and upgraded prior to production. Injection moulding was outsourced abroad to ensure savings for the client as well as better detailing and fit for the product itself.

At the end of the industrial design phase, another model was produced by IDC as a 'first-look' and demonstration resource for a select group of customers. Model makers reworked this again, complete with paints and all final details, to represent the finished product in time for launching.