Client Study - Sano
Sano are based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. They are an IP based start-up looking to innovate the way buildings and their ancillary equipment are designed and manufactured. They have an IP portfolio of over 70 granted patents.
How we helped
We have assisted Sano for over 5 years, undertaking a variety of design projects including the design, management and construction of a test build of a modular building system, for which Anthony is named as an inventor on the patent. When they were exhibiting their new, patented air source heat pump design principle, they contacted us to see how we could help.
Project Info
Sano identified that the use of ASHP's within homes was being inhibited by the issue of placement of the external evaporator unit. Due to the use of an axial fan to pass air over the heat exchanger, the unit needed to be located away from the walls of the building. Sano developed the idea of 'The Fin' to counteract this. After filing IP they needed to exhibit this to bring the product to the attention of specifiers and installers but were some distance away from a finished model to exhibit. They contacted us to assist in producing a working, more visual model of the concept.
Research and Design
Sano produced an initial document detailing their product idea and also their requirements for the exhibition. It was clear that time was definitely not on our side but we accepted the challenge! The first thing that we did was to research their system design and how we could display it.
A working ASHP was obtained as well as a centrifugal fan impeller and we set about designing how this could all be incorporated to function, in line with Sano's original thoughts and images.
A display stand to site this on was also required, which had to be designed and manufactured.
An initial design was then sent over to Sano for acceptance on the basis that there was a limited timescale and trust would have to applied to us, to make the correct decisions, should problems arise.
Click on each image for more info:
Create
After design acceptance, we started the creation process with just seven days days to the exhibition. We utilised trusted partner companies to build the display stand to our specification whilst we worked on the ASHP.
The unit was stripped down and a polycarbonate, variable speed centrifugal fan was designed and constructed. This then had to be fitted into the original ASHP housing, whilst ensuring that a factory built appearance was adhered to.
LED lighting was then added to ensure the product was visually appealing and noticeable.
The whole unit was ready for the exhibition, where the concept got a favourable response and helped Sano gain vauable early traction on their idea.
Click on each image for more info:
How else we have helped Sano
Initially we helped Sano on an R&D only basis, helping them to develop many ideas from a seed to a fully designed product or system. One of these was a Modular building system called CoreMods.
The starting thought was a hybrid building system whereby the entrance space, utility and service areas, and bathroom spaces are constructed in a modular fashion whilst the rest of the dwelling is constructed traditionally. We fully immersed ourselves in the design process which involved many challenges and Anthony was named as an inventor on the patent applications.
When Sano needed to construct the modules and a test house to display the system, they turned to us for help. We assisted in the design of the test house, the location of the test house and the design and construction of the LGSF modules. We then project managed the whole build, getting our hands dirty at times, ensuring that we achieved a successful outcome.
We have also assisted on various other projects and are named as an inventor on their IP.
The images below illustrate some of our work with Sano, click on each for more info:
Design Office
Hawburn,
7 Claremont Avenue,
Clitheroe,
Lancashire,
BB7 1JN
Contact
Telephone: +44(0)7970 855203
E-mail: anthony@logicnw.co.uk
Workspace
Unit 4a Landwick Court,
Metcalfe Drive,
Altham,
Lancashire,
BB5 5GY