Innovative product development – the customized medical valve

Needs analysis: customer-oriented development in dialog
The customer inquiry is not only the starting point of a project, but also the beginning of an ongoing dialog. We delve into the customer’s needs with targeted inquiries and precise questions. In intensive consultations, we discuss not only technical aspects, but also the overall system and the specific application of the valve. The analysis enables us to understand the customer’s real requirements, and if we find that the originally desired valve is not the optimal solution, this paves the way for innovative approaches and sets a creative process in motion. The results of this process are presented in a solution concept.

“We are not reinventing everything, but we are simply looking at things differently, discovering opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden and recognizing “what is right”. We not only take regulatory requirements and standards into account, but also think outside the technological box and look for an economical solution.”

Design, prototyping & testing: a look behind the scenes
Regular customer contact and continuous coordination of technical details are an integral part of the collaboration. Our design and development team continues the presented valve concept with detailed planning, design phase and prototype construction. Both internal tests at RAPA and tests at the customer’s premises are carried out to ensure the quality and reliability of the valve. Regular technical optimizations with the customer ensure seamless integration of the valve into the customer’s technology. The customized solutions that result from this intensive development work aim not only to meet the expectations of our customers’ developers, but in many cases even to exceed them. In every technical aspect, they reflect the partnership-based approach to innovation between RAPA and the customer. We are particularly pleased to receive positive customer feedback, especially when our pricing meets expectations. This feedback not only illustrates the acceptance of the selected solution, but also helps to strengthen our competitive position. At the same time, our engineering services further consolidate and secure this position during the entire pre-development and tendering phase.

Optimization: From prototype to series concept
Using the findings from the first prototypes and the input from process development, product development is continued with an improved design. New valve samples are designed and undergo the test and evaluation phase. The next steps are the production of precise, mature samples and the creation of a series concept including the associated process and production development.