The development of a compact electronic saxophone combines ergonomics, mechanics, sensors, and musical experience. Ramon Mañas, founder of Odisei Music, explains in chapter 9 of Toque de Ingenio how TravelSax was born out of the need to practice while travelling, without disturbing those around them. The conversation covers prototypes, a crowdfunding campaign, and manufacturing decisions that evolved as the product grew.
Guest Ramon Mañas. Company or organization: Odisei Music.
Interview published: May 6, 2024. Episode: 9. Duration: 1 hour and 35 minutes
In this episode:
- How a need for practice transformed into design requirements.
- What difficulties arose when transitioning from the prototype to the production units.
- Why does the manufacturing process need to be reviewed when the volume changes?
Practicing during a trip determines the final result.
Ramon explained that playing the saxophone at home or taking it on trips presented difficulties related to noise, size, and transport. His solution was to make it easier to practice with an electronic instrument that he could carry in his backpack.
“pocket electronic saxophone”.
Ramon Mañas 21:21.
The specific need dictated the design. The product needed to facilitate interaction related to the instrument, while simultaneously reducing mobility challenges. Size, handling, and sound generation were all part of this overall objective.
For the product design and development, The case illustrates how a personal experience can spark a hypothesis. Subsequently, it’s necessary to verify whether other people share that need and how they would utilize the proposed solution.
A prototype that generates interest doesn’t lead to full development.
The interview recalls the Kickstarter campaign and the response from buyers. Ramon describes the shift in perspective that came with having resources and people eagerly awaiting their orders. The commercial commitment made the outstanding work visible.
The prototype presented allowed us to illustrate the concept, but the version intended for users needed to address details regarding components and functionality. The discussion focused on finding a solution for the keys and establishing contact with suppliers.
Los functional prototypes They help to verify decisions, but each version has a scope. It’s important to know what is validated and what needs to be reviewed before creating a series.
Keys and electronics: the integration that isn’t visible at a glance.
Ramon explains that an initial solution, which seemed suitable, later caused problems. The team had to review the development as deadlines were approaching.
The interaction of the keys is central to a musical instrument. The mechanical design and electronic sensing must work together in response to how the keys are played. A single component does not automatically determine its behavior within the product.
La custom electronics It requires integration testing with the components, signals, and intended use. This process helps to identify differences between a test assembly and the final product intended for the user.
Communicating the changes during development.
Despite the delays, Ramon described a regular communication strategy with those who had supported the campaign. The team was sharing progress updates and explaining the difficulties through videos. This transparency was part of the relationship with people who had already made a purchase.
“to be completely transparent”.
Ramon Mañas 38:52.
Learning for a hardware release involves connecting communication with the actual technical status. The timeline should be based on milestones and pending tests; when a condition changes, it’s important to explain what has been learned and what it implies.
The development doesn’t become predictable simply by communicating it, but clear information helps the client understand the process. Promises should align with what the team can deliver.
3D printing and changes in manufacturing strategy.
TravelSax’s initial phase utilized 3D printing for product components. Ramon linked this to a model that allowed for production without maintaining large inventories and for adjusting quantities.
Exploring an expansion with increased stock and distribution, the team had to re-evaluate their manufacturing processes. The interview suggests that a process that’s effective at the start may no longer be the best option when the volume or way of selling changes.
Industrialization requires a thorough review. Aspects such as materials, finishing, pace, and cost should be examined in conjunction with commercial forecasting. industrial assembly allows you to connect the defined version with repeatable operations and controls.
An internal change can affect the reliability of the whole system.
Ultimately, Ramon recounts an issue that arose after modifying a circuit board. Inside the casing, a tube could get pinched when the assembly was closed. This problem affected units that subsequently needed to be recovered and repaired.
This example demonstrates a limitation of the digital model when the actual assembly is not verified. Closing the product can hide interference or paths that the operator can no longer see from the outside.
For other teams, the key lesson is to review the integration after changes to components. A seemingly minor modification may require new assembly and functionality tests before being incorporated into all units.
Questions regarding the development of an electronic saxophone.
What requirements shaped the design of TravelSax?
Practicing with a compact and easily transportable team, while minimizing disruption to the surroundings. These needs involved considerations of ergonomics, mechanics, and electronics.
When is it advisable to review a manufacturing process?
When changes occur regarding volume, stock, distribution, or product needs. During the interview, these changes affect the valuation of 3D printing.
What to check after changing a motherboard or an internal component?
The integration of the whole system, including the closure and internal element movements. The example of the pinched tube demonstrates why any modification requires physical validation.
Four key takeaways from the chapter.
- The way it’s being used helps to prioritize requirements.
- The validation of the prototype should be distinguished from production preparation.
- The manufacturing process adapts to the delivery model.
- The internal changes require a re-check of the assembly.
From learning to product development.
At i-mas, we integrate mechanical design, electronics and prototyping to develop compact products and prepare them for manufacturing. If you need to move from an initial demonstration to a version ready for industrialisation, Tell us about your project..
You can also read. How to prepare a product crowdfunding campaign..
Source: Original interview from Toque de Ingenio, published on YouTube on May 6, 2024. The experiences, figures, and plans discussed in the interview are reflective of that specific time. The references to i-mas services are the editorial analysis of the article.
