Volumetric Flask Shaker
2025, Engineered Software
A flask shaker is used in laboratories for thorough and consistent, mixing and agitation of fluids. After developing a successful functional prototype, Engineered Software tasked me with developing a refined enclosure capable of withstanding the rigorous demands of daily laboratory use. The original prototype (seen below) was a bare-bones assembly, that required a thorough redesign to develop a market-ready solution.
PROCESS
Brief
The shaker had several key requirements:
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Primarily, the design must support practical use and user-friendly functionality.
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The construction must be simple and cost-effective for low-volume manufacturing.
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It must be compatible with the specified hardware.
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Aesthetics are an important consideration.
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The design should scale easily in width to allow future models to hold more or fewer flasks.
Design
The chosen design is a sheet metal body with curved edges, that borrows some style features from the other device I designed for the same client. I proposed that we combine the motor and control equipment into the same compartment, to reduce bulk, simplify the assembly and create a more appealing design. We used this concept sketch to create some simple mockups in CAD. This helps to visualise the design in 3D, test some different configurations and validate that it was a desirable option.
The technical design of the enclosure happened from the inside > out. I made improvements to the prototype tooling assembly, then determined a new method for mounting it. After importing all the control and electrical hardware, I found a method to position and mount all components. I developed a sheet metal construction around these, isolating them from the flask chamber.
The sheet metal construction uses the outer shell as a structural member. All internal panels are mounted to the shell. It was the client's preference to avoid welding and use fasteners that would be visible externally. The polycarbonate door uses a custom hinge to meet the needs of this specific compartment. The drip tray is mounted on drawer runners for convenient access and cleaning.
With the design complete, I developed technical drawings for all parts and assemblies. The client is now commissioning the first prototype build. It was an exciting project to work on and I am pleased with the result. The following renders are a quick output from Fusion 360 (high-realism versions weren't required at this time).
You can check out another project I did for Engineered Software here.