Nima Sensor

Named one of Time Magazines Top best inventions of 2015, and winner of the 2015 TechCrunch awards at CES, the Nima gluten sensor was one of the first projects I worked on While at Montaag. The design consisted of a main body and an upright, disposable capsule in which the test sample of gluten was placed. A minimum distance was required between the sensor and the disposable capsule, yet needed to be small enough to fit into a pocket. My Triangular design concept was chosen, which gave us the distance required, in most compact package possible, while providing stability when place upright on a surface. The triangular design also provided a sloping front surface ideally positioned for a display.

Process

After Several rounds of ideation, the client settled on the “wedge” concept . By asking as many questions as we could think of, it was discovered that the chemistry of the capsule would still function when rotated up to 45 degrees. It was decided that a triangular shape would give us the smallest device while maintaining the minimum distance the electronics needed to be able to read the internal test strip. On to refinement.

Several versions were 3D printed for ergonomics testing. When the client settled on the final shape, the 3D print was used to make a “looks like” model that the client could show to investors. We then got all of the CAD models approved and their engineers began assembling prototypes for testing.