Integrated Design

This multi purpose touch screen computer was developed exclusively for the dental market. It was designed for ease of use, cleaning and integration within a dental office. The self contained computer included a waterproof silicone rubber gasket around the touch screen, Ethernet connectivity and an integral DVD drive.

American Medical Technologies conceived this innovative touch screen, wall mounted computer product for dentists and dental hygenists. The one piece touch screen activated computer was designed specially for the dental office. A blue silicone gasket between the screen and housing provided a waterproof seal for easy application of spray on disinfectants. The CD compartment at the right permitted software to be loaded. Special function buttons were grouped within a single rubber keypad located at the bottom of the display.

The sculpted design was unique and exquisitely detailed to convey an image of a quality product that could be conveniently used by anyone. High-resolution images as well as graphics could readily be viewed for examining dental x-rays to patient billing information.

The rugged lightweight computer was designed for mounting to a wall or a patient dental chair.

A comprehensive report outlining product requirements for the enclosure design was written after carefully researching dental office layouts, equipment and operation procedures.

Components were modeled in 3D CAD based on the sketch layouts previously developed. These CAD component assemblies provided us with accurate relationships between internal parts as well as overall size and proportion. The 3D CAD models were shared without client and modified based on thermal, assembly and appearance design parameters.

Sketches of numerous designs were created based on the various component arrangements. Our objective was to create forms which would be unique to AMT while complimenting any dental office décor. Concepts were primarily derived from soft organic shapes which best satisfied product requirements based on our research.

A few of the concepts were refined in profile sketches to develop proportions and surface contours. Profile hand sketches permitted us to quickly study numerous design iterations based on internal components. These sketches later provided us with a well-defined design direction for constructing 3D foam models.

After the concept was selected our design team discussed alternative manufacturing methods with our client. Topics included risk, lead times, cash flow projections, sales forecasts and potential changes to identify the optimum combination of manufacturing processes. It became quite apparent that injection molding was not an appropriate process because of long lead times and difficulties associated with off-shore tooling. A combination of sheet metal and pressure forming proved to satisfy our design and business objectives.

Development of the chosen concept into a production design was completed throughout a period of six weeks. The design was optimized for wiring, heat dissipation, minimized weight and Emi shielding. Details were added to sheet metal and plastic parts to conform to manufacturing and aesthetic requirements. Every part was fully developed based on tooling and post production requirements.

The final design was beautifully detailed throughout the product. Subtleties ranging from vent openings to junctions between covers were deliberately detailed to integrate aesthetics with function and manufacturability.

During the production design and development a tooling and part cost analysis was completed to verify previous estimated costs. 3D CAD part files were distributed to selected molders and sheet metal shops for estimated tooling and part costs as well as lead times. The files shown in these pictures illustrate the proposed assembly of the product as well as part details. Estimated weights of each part were provided to vendors as well as anticipated secondary operations. The final costs were summarized on the spread sheet shown at the end of this slide sequence.

Sheet metal and plastic production parts were received within 6 weeks after CAD files were released to selected vendors. We assisted AMT in the assembly and review of first article production units which fit together exactly as designed. There were no changes or problems with the design as shown in the following pictures.

The final product was a major success when initially introduced at the annual Dental show in New York. Details over every square inch of the exterior were perfectly reproduced as intended. The rear Vesa mount as visually integrated with the louvered openings in the rear. The split lines around the CD access cover on the side were also beautifully consistent with the overall appearance. A specially designed silicone rubber gasket around the LCD provided a water tight seal as well as providing a tactile keypad along the lower front edge.