Magnets, paper pulp, bellows, audio - Optichamber became a platform for concept exploration.
Philips
Optichamber Diamond Explorations
Optichamber Diamond proved so successful that Humanfactors was asked to explore a diversity of product variants, features, and constructions. Philips wanted to capitalize on the success of Optichamber by exploring various modifications that would continue to add value and differentiate Optichamber within a rather staid competitive landscape. Options from the practical - features to indicate user’s breath rate - to the innovative - custom audio instructions - to the environmental - functional paper Optichamber geometry - were researched, explored, and in many cases, fabricated for testing.
OptiPaper
Perhaps most interesting of all the OptiChamber variants, here we incorporated paper-folding principles of origami and transformed the product from an assemblage of various plastics to a much more eco-friendly paper construction. A more advanced conceptualization of this idea led to research in molding the OptiChamber as a one-piece clamshell from recycled paper pulp.
OptiCollapsible
OptiCollapsible provided various geometries for further reducing the OptiChamber’s size in order to minimize its footprint for transport and portability. OptiCollapsible offered an variety of innovative ways for users to collapse, transport, and store their OptiChamber and MDI together as a unit.
OptiAudio
OptiAudio explored how to integrate inexpensive audio indicators for everything from user instructions to hitting flow-rate targets.
OptiFlow
OptiFlow explored various ways, from needled-meters to ball valves, to indicate the user’s breath rates.
Valve Design
As one possible solution for eliminating back pressure through the valve, we explored various types, sizes, and placements of rare-earth magnets.
Valve Optimization
It took several rounds of exploring material flexibility, living hinges, and strategic cuts and supports to optimize primary valve performance.
Features
Integrated anti-roll features, on mouthpiece & endcap, were explored. Testing revealed users insert their tongue into the mouthpiece which puts the valve at risk - geometry permitting air flow while preventing the tongue from damaging the valve was explored.