Vision Robotics was developing camera-based robotic control systems and had grants from the fruit pickers association to deploy the technology in hydraulically actuated agricultural equipment. I first developed and prototyped a robotic arm that was towed behind a tractor for picking oranges . I then developed and prototyped a clipper mechanism and wrist with clutched joints for pruning grape vines.

Arm and Pruner

Hosso was an early stage company developing a support device for horses who had undergone micro-tearing in their limbs from overuse (traditionally a trigger for euthanasia). I began by researching the physiology and kinematics of the horse limb and creating an analytical model to establish critical metrics and specifications before working with ID and other stakeholders develop a mechanism utilizing an elastomer tension band to simulate/supplement the primary tendon in the fetlock joint. First I validated the performance on a custom test fixture and then then worked with Veterinary researchers at Tufts university to test the device on horses and validate the functionality before handing off the design for commercialization.

Hosso 1

Hosso 2

Hosso 3

When the iPad was first released, an inventor wanted to build an articulating bracket that strapped to a headrest and allowed a user in the rear seat to position an ipad. I developed, prototyped, and validated a concept for spring-loaded conical friction joints, and then worked with a Chinese CM to develop injection molds and an assembly process.

iPad

Scent Sciences developed a technology to reproduce programmable scents by selectively boiling a combination of core scent oils. Each scent cartridge corresponded to a specific video game and was controlled by the “scent track” of the game. I worked with ID to integrate the oils and electronics into a cartridge and peripheral that would distribute the scent with a fan.

Scent Sciences

Pelican wanted to enter the mobile device case market, and I worked with a partner ID firm to develop a rugged & waterproof case design and molding structure for the iPhone that operated outside of particularly constraining IP. I also developed a cost-effective friction hinge for an iPad case using Spirole coil pins.

Pelican 1

Pelican 2

A neurostimulator manufacturer was running into failures in the flexible circuit interconnects in their implantable device. I analytically and empirically root caused the failure to over-strain in the copper layers of a flex circuit and proposed a low-impact solution by reconfiguring the trace distribution in the FPC along with a larger bend radius.

Neuro

A neurostimulator manufacturer was developing a new product where the functional stimulator element needed to the electrically and mechanically connected to a base unit during deployment. Worked with ID and internal resources to develop a compact and reliable design.

Human was developing a multi-function hearable that was worn over the ear. I took a reference ear attachment approach and integrated it into the device architecture, and then supported prototyping and validation of the mechanism and electronics integration. The design was particularly successful with regards to comfort and security compared to previous approaches. I additionally supported other integration design efforts and the work results in being named on two granted patents (1,2)

Human

Developed a magnetic attachment and alignment system for a digital picture frame and corresponding stand.

Picture Frame

A pioneer in wearable cardiac monitoring devices wanted to develop a waterproof sleeve for their existing device so that users could shower with the device installed. I designed and prototyped a sleeve using cast silicone that could be easily installed by users while providing the required ingress protection.

Cardiac

I partnered with a flag manufacturing company to develop a concept for a modular battery-powered LED system that could be integrated with their current product line.

LED

Yofimeter was developing a connected insulin testing device. They wanted to explore an insulin injector to accompany that device where small volumes of insulin can be selected and dispensed by twisting a knob. I designed and prototyped a mechanism to accomplish this.

Insulin 1

Insulin 2

Insulin 3

A friend who owned a local brewery wanted to dispense beer/kombucha from glass growlers. It was important not to store the growlers with air in the headspace because of concerns of how it would interact with the brews. Existing methods for purging the headspace were not practical. We developed a concept for a device that installs into the growler and facilitates both purging the headspace and charging the growler for dispensing. Concerns over cleanability and complexity kept us from moving forward with prototyping.

Growler 1

Growler 2

Growler 3

A large life sciences company had acquired a technology for electroporation transfection where an electric field is applied to a samples in order to facilitate the injection of functional nucleic acids into cells for various protocols such as CRISPR. They wanted to take the core technology and develop a high volume consumable that effectively applied an electric field to the sample and facilitated a streamlined workflow. I developed a series of concepts for how to integrate electrodes into a pipette tip and connect to the device. I then simulated the electric fields using EMS works and refined the design for moldability before working with a prototype mold house to build engineering samples for the company to test. I also did system architecture work with EE to develop an 8-station pipette and docking station.

TF

I supported an ID firm who had developed concepts for a tray, brochure holder, and marketing display to be deployed in doctors’ offices as part of a hearing aid launch. I took the concepts and created manufacturable mechanical designs then delivered fabrication drawings to a prototyping resource.

hearing aid

I supported an ID firm developing a desktop PC enclosure. I designed a manufacturable door hinge and latch mechanism and then then transferred the design to internal resources.

PC