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Labnet - Mini Gel II Electrophoresis System

To solve this issue, the redesigned unit incorporates a button- release mechanism that keeps the tank stationary during separation. The user holds the tank in place, presses the release button, and slides the power unit away from the tank. By moving only the power unit instead of pulling on the tank, the design reduces sudden tank movement and helps prevent solution splashing.

I began the redesign by focusing on the separation mechanism between the tank and the power unit. At this stage, the goal was not to define the final exterior form, but to work through the functional relationship between the key components.

This allowed me to test different mechanical approaches and confirm that the separation method could be integrated with the rest of the system. By resolving the mechanism first, I avoided designing the product’s exterior too early and then being forced to fit the functional components into a limited form.

This concept was one of four mechanism directions explored during the early development phase.

They also wanted to use this redesign as an opportunity to address one of their customers’ major complaints. On the existing unit, separating the tank from the power unit required significant force. In some cases, users could pull too hard, causing the tank to move suddenly and splash the solution inside.

This early mechanism prototype explored the push- button release approach that would become the basis for the final design.

This view shows the model shop setup used to build the rough functional prototypes during the early mechanism development phase.

Early sketches exploring the overall form, proportions, and component relationship between the various parts.

SLS rapid prototype used to evaluate the final form, fit, and separation mechanism.

This CAD view shows a later refinement of the release mechanism. The ejector, shown in purple, pushes against the angled ribs on the tank. It was widened to spread the applied force more evenly. The button and ejector were also separated into two parts, allowing the button press to transfer force more effectively through the ejector. This wider contact area provided greater mechanical advantage, making it easier to separate the power unit from the tank in a controlled way.

Final engineered CAD model, with all plastic components fully developed and ready for tooling and injection molding.

This concept explored a latch-based separation mechanism in which a downward pivoting latch pushes the power unit away from the stationary tank.

The Mini Gel II electrophoresis system is designed to separate biological samples such as DNA and proteins. The client wanted to replace the units they were currently selling, which had been sourced from another manufacturer, with a new version they were produce themselves. They also wanted to use this redesign as an opportunity to address one of their customers’ major complaints. On the existing unit, separating the tank from the power unit required significant force. In some cases, users could pull too hard, causing the tank to move suddenly and splash the solution inside.