Endermology Handpiece

introduction

Groundspeed needed its own handpiece for the Gslim i4 Plus, a body-contouring system that combines endermology (vacuum massage) with radiofrequency. FullCycle designed and industrialized the handle in three months: vacuum mechanism, ergonomics for long sessions, resistance to treatment fluids, integration with the control module and a supply chain for on-demand production.

project context

Groundspeed develops treatment equipment for aesthetic clinics. Until this project it relied on standard handpieces available on the market, which limited both treatment quality and its ability to differentiate. With no in-house mechanical engineering team, it brought in FullCycle to develop a proprietary handle for the Gslim i4 Plus and to take control of that part of its technology stack.

problem
statement

The handle is in contact with the patient's skin and in the therapist's hand for the whole session, so the requirements were demanding: consistent vacuum quality, a grip that does not fatigue the therapist, soft-edged contact surfaces for patient comfort, materials that withstand treatment liquids and repeated cleaning, simple maintenance, and seamless integration with the existing control module. Groundspeed also wanted production it could trigger on demand, without committing to large batches.

project scope

  • Electronics integration
  • UX Design
  • Ergonomics design
  • Manufacturing documentation
  • Supply Chain Management

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requirements

  • Ergonomic Design
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • Durability and Resistance
  • Effective Vacuum Quality
  • Seamless Integration with Control Module
  • Simplified Maintenance
  • Efficient Manufacturing Process
  • Comfort for Prolonged Use
  • Fluid Resistance

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highlights

  • Idea to manufacturing in 3 months
  • 20 Complementary and competitor product analysed
  • 5 concepts generated
  • 3 different ergonomic designes tested
  • +60 3d printed parts for testing
  • 10 complete products manufactured
  • +40 files generated
  • 7 factories evaluated for manufacturing
  • Supply chain designed for plastics manufacturing, assembly and quality assurance
  • Certification support materials developed
  • Patent support materials developed

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Sketches

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description
and
functioning

  • Ergonomic handle designed for therapist comfort during prolonged use, balancing the device's weight.
  • Intuitive single-button operation for easy control of vacuum, enhancing treatment efficiency.
  • Organic lines in the main body to intuitively guide device movement and minimize misuse.
  • Specially designed vacuum cup with soft edges and materials for patient comfort and effective treatment.
  • Single wheels for even weight distribution and smooth movement across the skin.
  • Modular and recyclable design, easy to disassemble for updates and maintenance, with tamper detection for service model integrity.
  • Environmentally friendly design reducing development costs and facilitating continuous innovation.

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addressing requirements

The development of Groundspeed's endermology handle for the Gslim i4 Plus was a carefully orchestrated process that meticulously addressed each specified requirement. Ergonomic design was a priority, focusing on ensuring comfort for therapists during prolonged treatments. This was achieved through a carefully contoured handle that balanced the device's weight, reducing fatigue. Aesthetic appeal was also paramount, with the design tailored to fit seamlessly into the sophisticated environment of aesthetic clinics, enhancing the overall user experience.

Durability and resistance were critical, considering the rigorous and continuous use in clinical settings. High-quality materials were chosen to withstand wear and tear, ensuring the handle's longevity. The effectiveness of the vacuum system was crucial for the efficacy of the endermology treatment, and significant attention was devoted to optimizing this feature for maximum treatment impact.

Seamless integration with the control module was essential for operational harmony, ensuring that therapists could easily control and adjust the device during treatments. Simplified maintenance was another key aspect, designed to make routine upkeep quick and efficient, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing overall service quality.

The manufacturing process was designed to be efficient, catering to on-demand production needs. This approach allowed for quick scaling of production in response to market demand, ensuring timely delivery and availability of the product.

Comfort for prolonged use was considered, especially in the design of the handle and the materials used, to ensure that both therapists and patients had a comfortable experience during treatment. Fluid resistance was an essential feature, considering the nature of aesthetic treatments, and materials were selected to ensure that the handle could withstand exposure to various treatment fluids without compromising functionality or hygiene.

Overall, the design and development of the endermology handle for Groundspeed's Gslim i4 Plus equipment exemplified a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and user-centric considerations, resulting in a product that not only met but exceeded the expectations and needs of its users.

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renders

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results and
benefits

  • 3 patent applications filed based on the design
  • Revenue tripled after the launch of the Gslim i4 Plus
  • Customer retention doubled

impact of
the project

Groundspeed now owns the design of a core part of its device and can adapt it to new sensors and treatment protocols without depending on third-party suppliers. Maintenance is simpler and cheaper because the handle is modular and built for disassembly, and tamper detection protects the service model.

conclusion

The project moved from idea to ten complete units in three months, with three ergonomic designs tested, more than 60 printed test parts and seven factories evaluated before the supply chain was fixed.

Certification and patent support materials were prepared alongside the design, so manufacturing documentation and quality checks were ready when production started.

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