Case example: Utilizing 3D printing for the prototyping and demonstration of voice devices for medical and caregiving settings.
Utilizing 3D printers for prototyping and demonstration experiments of voice devices for medical and caregiving settings. Quickly and cost-effectively collecting evidence for patent applications!
FILLTUNE Inc. is a startup that plans and manufactures auditory support devices with clear and powerful sound quality by utilizing specialized bone conduction technology. Its flagship product, "CLEAR," has raised over 80 million yen through crowdfunding and is widely used in medical and caregiving settings, as well as by individuals. (As of July 2024) This time, we utilized DMM's commissioned modeling service for the prototyping of a new device aimed at medical and caregiving environments. The prototype is a speaker that can be used similarly to a stethoscope, which will be used by doctors during patient interviews. This device addresses the challenge that "interviewing senior patients with hearing impairments is burdensome for both doctors and patients." By placing the speaker against the patient's skin while the doctor speaks into a microphone at the chest level, clear audio is transmitted to the patient through bone conduction. We created a total of 18 units of the speaker's exterior and microphone clip using DMM.make's PA12W White at a low cost. We are conducting proof-of-concept experiments by providing the prototypes directly to medical and caregiving settings.
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[PA12W White | MJF (HP High Reusability PA12W)] This was a prototype that required strength for a proof-of-concept experiment in a medical setting, and sufficient strength was achieved with PA12W White. "Although there is a slight disadvantage in that nylon is somewhat difficult to paint, it offers a high balance of price, strength, and aesthetics. The polished finish was also beautifully done," was the feedback received. Additionally, leveraging the advantages of 3D printing, which allows for lower-cost prototype creation compared to machining, a quick design review of the prototypes was conducted. In applying for a patent for the new device's "highly practical design," multiple designs with slightly varied dimensions and curvatures were 3D printed, and usability evaluations were gathered from about 30 subjects. The evaluations from the subjects for each design, along with the design information such as dimensions and curvatures, were beneficial for the patent application. The ability to conduct this design review at a lower cost than machining prototypes was celebrated as an achievement.
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A voice device that can be used like a stethoscope when a doctor interviews a patient with hearing loss. └ Clip part that supports the microphone └ Exterior of the speaker part that touches the patient
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DMM.make 3D printer output service is a 3D printing contract manufacturing service equipped with cutting-edge equipment. Please feel free to contact us! ■ Over 1,000 corporate usage cases We provide 3D printing for "prototypes" and "molds" using 3D printers, as well as "mass production" methods that do not require molds. Our services are utilized in manufacturing, construction, medical, aerospace, food, agriculture, and more. In recent years, there has been an increase in cases where 3D printed objects are used in final products! We are committed to solving our customers' challenges based on numerous examples, so please feel free to reach out. ■ Over 55 types of materials, the largest variety in the industry 〇 Metal 〇 Plastic 〇 Rubber 〇 Aluminum 〇 Stainless Steel 〇 Resin, etc. Please feel free to contact us to find out which material is most suitable for your desired performance. ■ More than 30 state-of-the-art 3D printers available 〇 Powder Sintering 〇 Inkjet 〇 Binder Jetting 〇 Stereolithography 〇 Ultra-fast Stereolithography, etc. We will propose which printing method is most suitable for your challenges. ■ Case study site https://make.dmm.com/print/case/biz/