Pain Therapy Device Stands Out From Peers

The Challenge

Biowave Corporation of Norwalk, Conn., is a medical device manufacturer whose pain therapy products help patients manage pain and reduce the use of medications such as opiates. Biowave devices deliver a therapeutic electrical signal into deep tissue in the body, blocking the transmission of pain. In addition to a version for clinicians, the company offers the BiowavePRO® non-invasive neuromodulation system designed for individual use by athletes to reduce pain and enhance rehabilitation.

In designing the housing for the BiowavePRO, Biowave had several objectives. The portable device, targeted at college and professional sports teams, had to be durable enough to handle a sports environment – travel on buses and planes, use in locker rooms, and the risk of being bumped or dropped. The design called for two protective bumpers on the sides of the housing to provide a non-slip grip for the user. In addition to durability, these bumpers needed resilience for a comfortable feel and the ability to incorporate membrane switches.

An important goal was brand distinction, including a sleek, simple design and signature color. To achieve this, Biowave wanted the bumpers to give the appearance of being integrated with the front and rear housing and to be custom colored.

The Solution

For guidance on materials for the housing, Biowave consulted PTA Corp., its molder, who in turn contacted its long-time partners on the GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers team at Avient. GLS recommended a Versalloy™ thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) alloy for excellent surface quality, easy processing with excellent flow, and high tear strength. It can also be easily colored for excellent aesthetics.

Although custom coloring was a sticking point, no refinement could be at the expense of the tight timeline or rigid budget. The bumpers were molded separately and then slipped into channels between the upper and lower housing components (instead of overmolding them onto the housing). This approach maintained the streamlined design while controlling costs.

PTA was pleased with the moldability and processing ease of the Versalloy TPV, which delivers a high-quality surface finish and resists striations that can occur with other elastomers.

The Impact

Versalloy material is helping Biowave win and retain customers among sports teams, many of which purchase multiple devices for their players. Its high performance under rugged conditions helps generate recommendations and repeat orders. Currently, nearly 40 professional teams and 17 college programs use BiowavePRO.