Like most of start-ups, Habitat&Tecnologia developped an innovative product line finding a latent need in the market. An innovative product that finally could solve the endless water losses bins toilet
At that moment, the market was almost monopolized by a brand considered as generic in this kind of products. Competitors as followers, were offering similar ones, trivializing a market already saturated by a range of products with no added value. EGEO range has been an outstanding success since its launch, a real breakthrough innovation, user innovation as well as technological.
Habitat&Tecnologia asked for my services to give a full design service, to manage the 2nd product of its range. The design solution respected the identity of the 1st valve, and improved the hydraulic flow and reduced consequently the number of parts. I also gave advice on the purchase of molds tooling and inserts, and production monitoring, involved in quality control of first series.
SEGMENTATION
Two segments were defined. The new product range was defined by two versions to meet the needs of two user segments . On the one hand, the DIY ( do it yourself) segment, whose need was a quick and easy installation product, without requiring specific tools ( the VD500 valve with mouthpiece), and on the other hand, a professional installer segment, whose need was very different, it was to have an efficient and qualitative valve to be able to be installed only by a professional. So, the VD500 with downpipe elbow was developed for this segment.
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNICAL INNOVATION
The new EGEO valve is an hydraulic accurate device,working like a clockwork. An internal float delays its seal in precisely 5 seconds, needed time to empty the water inside the tank. Many functional prototypes were made to achieve this objective. Many testing were done to choose the best matter to have an hermetic seal (most suitable rubber densities of TPR Santoprene, PP body). This valve is universal, it has been tested on almost all tank models of the market, in the most severe water swirl of situations.
COST REDUCTION
A cost analysis of the parts made 50% reduction of components compared to the previous version, reducing moulds number and production costs; also the process of assembly was simplified, the float PE foam of first product was replaced by an air chamber, The two segment products (DIY and professional) had a minor investment, an adaptable mould was made taking into account this variation by inserts on the same mold. The assembly of parts was made in the dead time of injection process, so almost no assembly needed at the end of injection process.
PACKAGING
The ‘blister’ technology was chosen to do the packaging.
