Project: Syringe Holder Redesign

Operation: (2) Syringe assemblies with attached tube sets are snapped into a plastic holder for mounting and tubing management.

Issue: Production team reports that the current holder’s clamps are too tight, causing scuffing and over time producing cracks in the syringe(s).  Also, the part’s current clamp features are weak at the base and eventually break off during handling.  Given that the design of this plastic one-piece part is complex, replacement is timely & expensive.

OCD Solution: From the original part’s technical information, OCD was able to design a new 3-part version that, if a replacement is necessary, only that part (clamp) is involved and can be easily replaced without affecting the entire assembly.  Additionally, these more robust and removable clamps are designed to better cradle the syringe while a group of (4) small nib type features are its only contact points.  This provides for adequate holding while limiting any surface damage to the syringe. 

Extras: (1) FFF printing this complex part is not only cost effective compared to traditional CNC mfg, but the ability to provide a Polycarbonate part is necessary in this production environment.  (2) Now that the critical parts of this design have been separated out, and that it is designed for 3D printing, turnaround for replacement has gone from weeks to hours*. 

*If your company has an in-house 3D printer, downloading this part’s files and printing its replacement is as easy as printing this document (pretty close) 😉.