of mountings
gearbox
Gear Tex achieves a spinning speed of up to
Power Outage Solution
--- Click to view other works ---
Scroll down
Suction Cups
durability
This performance rivals that of electric machines, which range from 10 to 60 seconds, varying by solution type and specific needs.
internal mechanism
2 in 1 Machine
The easy transition between vortex and centrifuge modes enhances its versatility.
Polypropylene
880 RPM
AR Acrylic Polypropylene Silicone Coated
manually
reducing
Safety Guard
mixing and centrifugation
, the lack of
Economical Lab Equipment
About.
The Gear Tex is the only operated laboratory mixer on the market. It fits tubes of various sizes, ensuring homogenized solutions to those achieved with electrical vortex equipment. It also allows (solution separation) functions by changing different mountings.
aesthetics
internal mechanism
Gear Tex
Pump
CDC Collaborated Product Design | US Patent Protected
transitions between vortex
power outages
- Rapid mixing is crucial for lab tasks. (<1 min)
Option 3 employs a push mechanism to engage gears for spinning.
The of non-electric vortex machines in the current market reveals significant untapped potential in this niche.
The initial prototype utilized 3D-printed gears to assess the feasibility of fully 3D-printing the device. Challenges encountered included excessive friction, inability to achieve desired speeds, and halted rotation due to pump recoil. The focus for the subsequent model is on enhancing speed and maintaining continuous rotation.
Option 3 emerged as the favored choice among researchers due to its stability on the benchtop, one-handed operation capability, and seamless conversion between vortex machine and centrifuge functionalities—ideal for international lab environments. Furthermore, the pressing motion was found to be less strenuous compared to the other options, which necessitate larger movements, potentially disturbing nearby researchers and transmitting more vibration to the desk.
Must-Have Features
- Entirely manually powered equipment designed to circumvent problems associated with power outage.
hand cranking
- Convertible between vortex machine and centrifuge to enable different using scenarios.
By observing and interviewing researchers at Georgia Tech's Biology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry Labs on their use of vortex machines, gathered insights into their needs and frustrations. Analysis of this data, alongside a task analysis of the existing equipment, led to the summarization of design requirements.
Reduce fatigue
The second iteration incorporated a metal gear-set, enabling Gear Tex to reach speeds of up to 880 RPM for mixing and separating solutions within a minute, and maintaining rotation after the pump is released. This model also features the ability to switch between vortex and centrifuge functions. CDC researchers have validated its utility and functionality, with plans for further testing in international labs.
hand cranking
Second Iteration
Design Requirements
Ideation
Research
- Consider aesthetics in design to enhance the user experience and enjoyment.
Option 2 utilizes cranking to activate gears for spinning.
- Allow for one-handed operation to simplify use and reduce effort.
Sketches
mechanical system
Morphological Matrix + Test
The of non-electric vortex machines in the current market reveals significant untapped potential in this niche.
1.
mechanical system
Stable + Fixed
Centrifuge mode
Task Analysis
No contact with fluid
Explorations
Option 3 emerged as the favored choice among researchers due to its stability on the benchtop, one-handed operation capability, and seamless conversion between vortex machine and centrifuge functionalities—ideal for international lab environments. Furthermore, the pressing motion was found to be less strenuous compared to the other options, which necessitate larger movements, potentially disturbing nearby researchers and transmitting more vibration to the desk.
Stable + Fixed
$ 300 to $700
Sketches
By observing and interviewing researchers at Georgia Tech's Biology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry Labs on their use of vortex machines, gathered insights into their needs and frustrations. Analysis of this data, alongside a task analysis of the existing equipment, led to the summarization of design requirements.
Utilizing a morphological matrix and insights from research, feedback, and test, a clear direction emerged: a for generating the necessary spinning motion in a shape. Three key power technologies— (pressure, body weight...), , and —were identified. For stable use, the design includes a to secure the device to .
weight
rope pulling
Option 3 employs a push mechanism to engage gears for spinning.
Research
Vortex mode
Explore the possible design critiria, adopting variable design methods and test the potential design approaches, then validate the final design decision.
benchtops
Explore the possible design critiria, adopting variable design methods and test the potential design approaches, then validate the final design decision.
Nice-to-Have Features
Nice-to-Have Features
vortex
- The mixing quality should be equivalent to current machines.
2.
Video demo
Reduce fatigue
- Convertible between vortex machine and centrifuge to enable different using scenarios.
suction cup
Prototype
vortex
Option 1 involves generating spinning motion by pulling a rolled-up rope.
Option 2 utilizes cranking to activate gears for spinning.
hand cranking
The initial prototype utilized 3D-printed gears to assess the feasibility of fully 3D-printing the device. Challenges encountered included excessive friction, inability to achieve desired speeds, and halted rotation due to pump recoil. The focus for the subsequent model is on enhancing speed and maintaining continuous rotation.
One hand operation
- The mixing quality should be equivalent to current machines.
2.
Morphological Matrix + Test
- Consider aesthetics in design to enhance the user experience and enjoyment.
suction cup
Independent from electricity
rope pulling
Morphological Matrix + Test
No contact with fluid
Sketches
- Eliminates direct contact between stirring devices and the fluid during mixing.
Centrifuge mode
- Allow for one-handed operation to simplify use and reduce effort.
Explorations
Homogenization
Current market for existing electric lab vortex machines, prices range from $500 to $3500. For 2-in-1 machines (vortex + centrifuge), the price spectrum spans from $1500 to $4500. Based on this, Gear Tex target selling price was set between .
suction cup
Prototype
Tested parts
Field Study & Semi-Structure Interview
Fast mixing
- Incorporates a stabilization system to minimize vibration transfer and prevent bouncing.
Explore the possible design critiria, adopting variable design methods and test the potential design approaches, then validate the final design decision.
Current market for existing electric lab vortex machines, prices range from $500 to $3500. For 2-in-1 machines (vortex + centrifuge), the price spectrum spans from $1500 to $4500. Based on this, Gear Tex target selling price was set between .
weight
Ideation
Option 3 emerged as the favored choice among researchers due to its stability on the benchtop, one-handed operation capability, and seamless conversion between vortex machine and centrifuge functionalities—ideal for international lab environments. Furthermore, the pressing motion was found to be less strenuous compared to the other options, which necessitate larger movements, potentially disturbing nearby researchers and transmitting more vibration to the desk.
Option 3 employs a push mechanism to engage gears for spinning.
Market Analysis
- Minimizes the risk of injuries and fatigue resulting from extended periods of mixing and vibration.
Independent from electricity
Convertible
- Entirely manually powered equipment designed to circumvent problems associated with power outage.
Must-Have Features
Explorations
Design Requirements
One hand operation
weight
The second iteration incorporated a metal gear-set, enabling Gear Tex to reach speeds of up to 880 RPM for mixing and separating solutions within a minute, and maintaining rotation after the pump is released. This model also features the ability to switch between vortex and centrifuge functions. CDC researchers have validated its utility and functionality, with plans for further testing in international labs.
1.
absence
Option 1 involves generating spinning motion by pulling a rolled-up rope.
- Rapid mixing is crucial for lab tasks. (<1 min)
Option 1 involves generating spinning motion by pulling a rolled-up rope.
absence
Aesthetic pleasing
First Iteration
Video demo
mechanical system
First Iteration
Vortex mode
Tested parts
- Incorporates a stabilization system to minimize vibration transfer and prevent bouncing.
Ideation
Homogenization
Market Analysis
Option 2 utilizes cranking to activate gears for spinning.
Second Iteration
benchtops
Utilizing a morphological matrix and insights from research, feedback, and test, a clear direction emerged: a for generating the necessary spinning motion in a shape. Three key power technologies— (pressure, body weight...), , and —were identified. For stable use, the design includes a to secure the device to .
$ 300 to $700
Field Study & Semi-Structure Interview
Aesthetic pleasing
- Eliminates direct contact between stirring devices and the fluid during mixing.
vortex
Convertible
Utilizing a morphological matrix and insights from research, feedback, and test, a clear direction emerged: a for generating the necessary spinning motion in a shape. Three key power technologies— (pressure, body weight...), , and —were identified. For stable use, the design includes a to secure the device to .
Fast mixing
- Minimizes the risk of injuries and fatigue resulting from extended periods of mixing and vibration.
rope pulling
benchtops
Task Analysis
Gear Tex is a machine that enables easily transitions between a vortex mixer and centrifuge with a simple , enhancing its versatility across various scenarios.
in global laboratories
Design Prompt.
This project is a collaboration between the CDC and Georgia Tech, guided by Prof. Wendell Wilson. I took the lead in the product design phase, developing the , managing , crafting the , and collaborating with another colleague on and mounting design.
Gear Tex's meticulously designed gearbox that mirrors the durability and robustness of a mechanical watch, promising longevity. Additionally, its materials are resistant to chemicals, ensuring resilience in various laboratory environments.
Unlike traditional vortex machines that require manual holding of tubes, leading to hand fatigue from vibration, irregular tube caps, and prolonged holding, Gear Tex eliminates the need to manually stabilize tubes against vibrations, markedly
functionality
Mixing or separating solutions within
introduce...
Due to intermittent
.
comparable
Reduce Researcher's Exertion
Polypropylene Silicone Attachments
Building the Gear Tex machine incurs a cost ranging from $250 to $350, with reduction through bulk purchases of gears and parts or by sourcing cheaper suppliers. In contrast to the $550 to $3000 price range of electrical vortex machines and other 2-in-1 devices, Gear Tex offers a more economical alternative for laboratory acquisitions
continuous vortexing can result in insufficient mixing, potentially leading to test failures. Furthermore, the absence of battery backup in smaller devices, which are used for short periods, underscores the critical necessity for the development of manual Vortex (solution mixing device) as a key design goal.
Gear Tex eliminates the need for users to manually hold tubes during the mixing process, addressing researchers' concerns about hand fatigue effectively.
swap
Cover
In the laboratory setting, Gear Tex's exterior design and careful Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) considerations set it apart from conventional lab equipment. This distinction addresses the common feedback from researchers about the mundane appearance of laboratory tools, adding a visually appealing aspect to functional equipment.
product's
Contact PageContact
Contact PageHome Page HPContact
Contact PageGRACE LI
Home Page HPHome Page HPWork
Home Page HPHome Page HPWork
Home Page HPGear Tex stands out as the sole manually powered vortex machine, offering an ideal solution to mixing challenges faced by international laboratories during intermittent power outages.
Gear Tex features an innovative inner design that not only guarantees its but also ensures a surpassing that of conventional electrical machines, making it a reliable choice for international laboratory needs.
resource procurement
Mountings
Reliable and Durable Product
2 in 1
Aesthetic Design
design research
researchers' exertion.
Neoprene
15 - 60 sec
Gear Tex
Polypropylene Silicone Coated