Boston Engineering Customer Portal

Service Desk for PTC Windchill and ThingWorx IIoT

thigworx   ptc

Use the Boston Engineering customer portal to submit service requests, get status updates, and Check PLM/IIoT KPIs.

Sign In
Emails for specific Issues

How Design for X methodology could be applied to achieve cost-effectiveness when extending the life of an existing medical product design

By applying these DFX methodologies with a focus on cost-effectiveness, medical device companies can extend the life of existing products while minimizing development and production costs. 

By applying the DFX methodologies with a focus on cost effectiveness, medical device companies can create products that offer enhanced features, improved performance, or better usability while leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure, supply chains, and user familiarity. This strategy can help maintain market competitiveness, extend product lifecycles, and improve return on investment for established product lines.

Moreover, by focusing on cost-effectiveness in the redesign process, companies can potentially offer improved products at competitive price points, maintaining or even expanding market share in increasingly price-sensitive healthcare markets.

Let's dive deeper to understand how each design area can be applied to achieve cost-effectiveness when extending the life of an existing medical product design.

Read more below.


 

The focus and discipline of DFX is a powerful tool if used as part of a broader strategic approach to developing product/process differentiation, and a sustainable advantage against competition. Involve Design for X in Strategy. Once your team has determined the focus of your strategy, place the focus of design on developing competitive advantage. 

At Boston Engineering, DFX is a core part of creating values during our product development process. We focus on several key DFX areas that align with our expertise:

Learn more about Design for X (DFX) at Boston engineering: Boston Engineering Design for X


Firefly medical diagnostic lab technology 24585

The following are illustrative examples of a potential product design decisions a company might make to take strategic advantage of the noted benefits of introducing a new product to market vs. updating an existing product. The cases are presented to evoke thoughts and questions around the potential business case for such decisions, and the reasoning behind each. 

(continued from above)

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Example: For the orthopedic implant with improved materials

A DFM expert could focus on:

  • Optimizing the design of the implant for the new material while minimizing changes to existing manufacturing processes
  • Identifying opportunities to simplify component geometries without compromising performance
  • Adjusting tolerances to reduce machining time and material waste

Cost-effective outcome: Improved product with minimal additional manufacturing investment, leveraging existing equipment and processes.

Design for Assembly (DFA)

Example: For the ventilator with new software features

Working with a DFA expert might involve:

  • Redesigning internal component layout to reduce assembly steps for the updated model
  • Standardizing fasteners and connections across the product line
  • Developing a modular subassembly that can be easily integrated into the existing assembly line

Cost-effective outcome: Streamlined assembly process reducing labor costs and production time for the updated product.

Design for Cost (DFC)

Example: For the pacemaker with extended battery life

A DFC expert could suggest:

  • Analyzing the bill of materials to identify components that can be replaced with lower-cost alternatives without compromising performance
  • Optimizing the circuit design to reduce power consumption, allowing for a smaller, less expensive battery
  • Identifying opportunities for part consolidation to reduce overall component count

Cost-effective outcome: Improved product with lower material costs and potentially reduced manufacturing complexity.

Design for Testability (DFT)

Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments

DFT considerations might include:

  • Designing built-in self-test capabilities for new features to reduce the need for external testing equipment
  • Developing standardized test protocols that can be applied across the product line
  • Creating software-based diagnostic tools to quickly identify and isolate potential issues

Cost-effective outcome: Reduced testing time and equipment needs, lowering overall quality assurance costs.



 

AL & ML in Health Care - The Medical Workplace Multiplier

In this new Whitepaper, learn how AI and ML can enhance the medical workforce’s abilities and improve patient outcomes. 

While some view AI as a potential job replacement threat, the reality is that these advanced capabilities are better positioned as “workforce multipliers” that will amplify the abilities of doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical professionals.

Download your Free Copy Today!

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are emerging technologies that have immense potential to reshape healthcare delivery and medical practice.

 



Design for Reliability (DFR)

Example: For the infusion pump with updated user interface

A DFR expert might focus on:

  • Conducting failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify and address potential weak points in the updated design
  • Selecting components with proven reliability to minimize the risk of field failures
  • Designing redundancies for critical new features without significantly increasing complexity

Cost-effective outcome: Improved product reliability, potentially reducing warranty claims and service costs.

Design for Serviceability/Maintainability (DFS)

Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments

DFS considerations could include:

  • Designing new components to be easily accessible and replaceable
  • Creating a modular architecture that allows for easy upgrades or repairs of specific subsystems
  • Developing improved diagnostic systems to quickly identify and resolve issues

Cost-effective outcome: Reduced service time and costs, potentially extending the product's useful life.

Design for Usability (DFU)

Example: For the infusion pump with updated user interface

A DFU expert might suggest:

  • Conducting user research to identify pain points in the current interface
  • Designing an intuitive upgrade that minimizes the need for extensive user retraining
  • Developing built-in user guidance features to reduce errors and improve efficiency

Cost-effective outcome: Improved user adoption and reduced training costs, potentially increasing product value without significant hardware changes.

Design for Modularity (DFMo)

Example: For the surgical robot with advanced instruments

DFMo considerations could include:

  • Designing a standardized interface for new and future instruments
  • Creating a modular software architecture that allows for easy feature updates
  • Developing a scalable power and data distribution system to accommodate various instrument configurations

Cost-effective outcome: A more flexible and upgradeable system that can adapt to new requirements without complete redesign, extending the product's market relevance.


MED Coffee Talk AI and ML for Medical Device Development-1


New eBook Available Now! 

"Leveling Up Existing Products through DFX" 

-Download Insights from a DFX Subject Matter Expert- 

 

Leveling Up Existing Products Through DFXDeveloping successful new products from scratch is challenging enough, but what about improving on existing designs? 

In this eBook, we’ll dive into the real-world experiences of DFX subject matter expert John DePiano, exploring the common areas where existing product owners excel, as well as the key opportunities where targeted DFX support can drive major improvements.

Download the eBook Today!

 


 

people-working-together


 Understanding the Importance of a DFX approach in medical device design & development

Applying Design for X (DFX) methodologies upfront in medical device  development optimizes the entire lifecycle by improving manufacturability, testability, reliability, usability, and other critical characteristics. This avoids costly redesigns later on, facilitates high-quality products that satisfy customers, reduces manufacturing and service costs, and supports flexibility through modularity and platforms. The holistic perspective of DFX drives efficient, cost-effective delivery of successful products that provide competitive advantage. Investing in DFX early pays dividends across the entire product lifespan.

Do you offer training on DFX for your medical engineering teams?

Education is critical to effectively implement DFX principles. We provide training tailored to your engineers’ roles and product lines. This includes overall DFX methodology, deep dives into specific disciplines like design for reliability or manufacturability, and practical application workshops. Our hands-on approach combines real-world examples and case studies with tutorials on leading DFX software tools. The goal is building organizational DFX expertise and establishing repeatable processes that endure beyond individual projects. Investing in DFX knowledge pays dividends across your entire product portfolio. 

DFX Workshop request

Ready to Begin your next medical device DFX Project? 

commercialization12Whether you’ve created a new technology, or have an innovative way to use an existing solution, Boston Engineering will turn your ideas into reality.  Our experts and Industry Partners will enhance your current team or manage the entire Product Development Process from Market Analysis to Production. Don't leave complex projects or high visibility product launches to chance. Know you're going to get the results you want by working with industry leaders in design, development, and deployment of innovative products driven by Novel Engineering. Contact Boston Engineering Today to get started.

Let's start the Conversation

No matter the challenge, our team possesses the expertise in the engineering disciplines and technologies you need to bring your vision to life. Impossible Challenge? Try Us.

Contact Us
Today

MED Coffee Talk Mastering Use Cases & Cybersecurity (2)-1

Impossible Challenge? Try Us. 

Selecting a partner to help you complete your design project is a valuable option to reduce project duration and save money.    

The Boston Engineering product development system encompasses DFX to ensure a smooth product launch and success in the marketplace.  Boston Engineering has DFX knowledge and experience to address aspects and values of a product such as manufacturability, test, reliability, safety, serviceability, cost, and compliance with industry standards and government regulations.



 

 


 Product Development Process

Imagine your Impact: Stay up-to date- with the latest insights and trends we're watching. Add your email address below and sign up for a Monthly Summary of our most impactful posts!

Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter

 

Back to Blog