A serial entrepreneur came to us after recently acquiring an autoclave cleaning technology patent. While the core technology was impressive, the device itself was far from marketable in his eyes. It looked like a prototype, even though the previous owner had been selling it for years. The electronics were outdated, poorly documented, and relied on parts that were becoming increasingly difficult to source. The entrepreneur thought the device would be easier to use and could enhance the safety features if it had a modern user interface, like a touchscreen display.
From the first few conversations, and after reverse engineering the engineering drawings, we learned that the existing electronics were relatively straightforward—mainly relay outputs and basic on/off controls. However, the project involved handling high voltage sections, current monitoring for 120/240VAC, and isolation for power supplies and feedback signals. While these aspects required expertise, they were well within our expertise.
Working closely with both the product development team and the client, we re-engineered the electronics to fit within the new enclosure and be easy to assemble. For the user interface, we opted for a Nextion touchscreen display. Although it carries a higher cost from a bill of materials (BOM) perspective, it significantly reduced development time and gave the client the flexibility to make adjustments as they refined the product to meet user needs. As the design matures, we plan to transition to a custom, lower-cost touchscreen display.
To date, we’ve developed several prototypes, and the device is currently undergoing certification. We’re optimistic about the future of this partnership and hope to become the go-to manufacturer for the circuit boards.
This project highlights Henway Engineering’s ability to breathe new life into existing products. Contact us.