Case Studies

Defibrillation is a medical technique used to counter the onset of ventricular fibrillation, a common cause of cardiac arrest. In simple terms, the process uses an electric shock to stop the heart, in the hope that the heart will restart with rhythmic contractions.

As Heartsine’s product design associate, CobaltNiche have developed the company’s range of heart defibrillators. This most recent is our third model developed for Heartsine.

User-centric interface

Heartsine’s PDU400 heart defibrillator is intended for use by non-medical users (i.e. bystanders, first-aid providers) in domestic environments.

The PDU400 has been designed with the highly stressed, inexperienced user in mind. The product features a user-friendly voice guidance system and simplified controls that directs the user through the whole process. LEDs and a diagrammatic label also aid in providing a step by step graphical guide that coincides with the vocal instructions.

Design shaped by functionality

Unlike other defibrillator devices the PDU400 is designed to be ‘single-use’ backed up by a factory restoration scheme where consumables are replaced and the unit is recalibrated ready for a new deployment.

Currently most individuals with heart conditions and many smaller institutions where this device may occasionally be required, cannot afford heart defibrillators. The PDU400’s ‘single-use’ approach increases accessibility of this life-saving technology by being able to be manufactured at a significantly lower price. It provides peace of mind for people who suffer from heart conditions by enabling them to have an affordable, easy to use defibrillator in their home.

The product’s innovative ‘single-use’ approach has shaped the physical design of the device. Specifically the PDU400 has been designed for disassembly and refurbishment to reduce the product’s environmental footprint.

The electrode pads that are applied to the patient’s chest are stored in the base of the unit and are accessed by pulling at the rubber tab and sliding them out.

The product also incorporates an integrated handle and quick release wall mounting for storage within the home and easy access when required.

In terms of form and product branding, this product incorporates signature elements that are consistently reflected and refined across Heartsine’s product family.

 

Key Specifications

Objective
  • Compact, single use personal heart defibrillator
  • Easy to use for people with no medical background
  • Low cost product suitable for domestic market
Design Solution
  • Styling reflects the design language of Heartsine’s existing product family
  • Design incorporates a handle and quick release wall mounting for easy access in domestic environments
  • Designed for disassembly & refurbishment ensuring environmental sensitivity given the product’s single use application
CobaltNiche tasks
  • Industrial Design
  • Product Engineering
  • Prototyping
  • Tooling Management
Development Period

26 months

CobaltNiche Team
  • Warwick Brown
  • Lorrin Windahl
  • Sean Moran
  • Matt Reeves
  • Daniel Booker
  • Jack Magree
Key Supplier

ARRK (Tooling & Production)

Materials
  • PC/ABS mouldings
  • TPE mouldings
  • PC Label

 

Based in Australia, Cobalt Niche is a globally focused creative product design and development group. We operate locally as well as Asia, North America and Europe.
 
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