Creating the first prototype marks a pivotal turning point in the innovation journey, transitioning our concepts and designs from paper to the physical world. For our Heated Ice Press with Interchangeable Inserts project, this stage was not just about realizing our technical and design philosophies for the first time; it was a testament to teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving. This blog post shares our experiences, challenges, and solutions in creating the first prototype, taking our dream one step closer to reality.

 

Conceptualization

Remember the Blog in Key Component Verification? We are continuously using the method we verified to guide the MVP prototype.

Inserts verification

Everything started with a simple idea: to create a heated ice press that could quickly make ice while allowing for easy insert changes. Numerous discussions, designs, and plans later, we are going to make it.

Design Challenges and Solutions

Transforming the concept into a manufacturable design presented multiple challenges. Ensuring the efficiency and safety of the heating module, designing an aesthetically pleasing yet functional exterior, and achieving quick insert changes were among the hurdles we faced. Collaborative efforts between our designers and engineers led to innovative solutions that overcame these obstacles.

ice and insert

Prototype Development Process

After 3D Printing Verification, we began assembling the initial prototype. This intricate process involved Machinism designing, PCB designing, and initial software programming and debugging, among other steps. Precision and strict quality control were paramount to meet our high standards at every stage. In the end, we achieved our goal as scheduled.

PCB designing & manufacturing

 PCB designing & manufacturing

the first prototype

 

The creation is a significant achievement, symbolizing an essential step from concept to reality and showcasing our team's resilience in facing challenges. This process brought us closer to success, bolstering our confidence in the product and laying a solid foundation for future development and optimization.


In the next blog post, we will test the assembled principle prototype to verify its performance stability. We know that more problems will be exposed during this process, and we are confident to face and solve them. Let's look forward to the first run of the prototype together.