Bronze Scientific Instruments and Research Equipment Design · 2022

Guardian 7000 Hotplate Stirrer

by Ohaus

A' Design Award 2022 Bronze Winner in Scientific Instruments and Research Equipment Design
Awarded April 15, 2022
CLIENT: Ohaus
Estimated Number of Design Views: 717,459
Verification code 857FF22094 · Verify this award

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About Guardian 7000 Hotplate Stirrer

Guardian 7000 is a laboratory hotplate stirrer used to heat and mix samples. The enclosure is produced by injection molding of chemically resistant resins that stay cool at a maximum plate temperature of 500 degrees Celsius. Integrated safety functions use Bluetooth and infrared technology to switch off the heater when the operator is not detected, and to monitor the electronics against overheating. Two knobs control plate temperature and stirring speed, and a long press opens the menu and the timer. Three sizes are offered.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: Guardian 7000 Hotplate-Stirrers modernize the lab with integrated Smart technology including SmartPresence, SmartLink, SmartRate, SmartHeat, SafetyHeat, and SmartHousing. Units are designed with outstanding, patent pending safety features and superior heating and mixing performance. These unique, industry leading Smart features ensure precise sample control and provide peace of mind for operating safely in the lab.
Dimensions & Packaging: Product comes in 3 sizes

Guardian 7 x 7, 223.5mm x 309.9mm x 121.9mm

Guardian 10 x 10, 285.8mm x 414.0mm x 121.9mm

Guardian Round Top, 172.7mm x 266.7mm x 127mm
Tags: Guardian, Ohaus, Hotplate-Stirrer, Hotplate, Stirrer, Laboratory Equipment, Research Equipment
Production Technology: The Guardian 7000 design was realized through market research and competitive analysis. The unit enclosure was designed using injection molding of chemically resistant resins that stay cool even at a maximum temperature of 500C. Internal electronics were designed to provide automatic safety features not available in competitor models, using Bluetooth and infrared technology. The design also provides best in class accuracy and repeatability through extensive software development driving the electrical system.
Design Challenge: The Guardian 7000 was an opportunity to upgrade the MMI from an Led display controlled by a membrane switch with buttons to a modern Lcd display and simple knob control. Designing intuitive icons for the LCD display that represented the Smart features was a creative task where there was strong collaboration with Marketing and R&D. The new software that was designed for simple knob control was tested internally and externally to ensure an easy-to-use unit for a positive customer experience.
Project Duration: The Guardian 7000 project started in September 2017 in Thorofare, New Jersey and finished in March 2020 in Thorofare, New Jersey where the product was released to distribution hubs. In March of 2020 a product launch event was held at Pittcon 2020 in Chicago.
Operation Flow: The product operates with simple rotations and presses of two control knobs, one controlling temperature of the top plate and the other controlling the speed of the motor. The menu with advanced features is easily accessed by a long press of the temperature knob. The unit also features a timer that can be set with a long press of the speed knob.
Research: The Guardian 7000 was designed with safety, performance, and innovation in mind. Market research presented an opportunity to include SmartPresence™ and SmartLink™, features that protect the user with Bluetooth and Infrared technologies to automatically shut off the heater if the user is undetected. Industry leading SafetyHeat™ technology monitors the electronics to prevent overheating. The powerful motor magnet assembly provide users the ability to stir a wide array of sample types.
Inspiration: Safety is the number one priority for laboratories and hotplate-stirrers left unattended can be the cause of catastrophic accidents including fires. The design intention of Guardian Hotplate-Stirrers is to protect people, samples and ultimately the lab. We analyzed our competitors, conducted a focus group, and performed market surveys in the United States and Europe. All results emphasized the importance of safety. Our design mission for the Guardian 7000 Hotplate-Stirrer; Think Safer. Think Smart.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Steve Silvers, G7000 Round HPS LCD All Beaker Stir Left, 2019

Optional Image #1: Photographer Steve Silvers, Groups, 2019

Optional Image #2: Photographer Steve Silvers, G7000 7 x 7 HPS Smartrates Angle1, 2019

Optional Image #3: Photographer Steve Silvers, G7000 10 x 10 HPS LCD All Creative 2 Close Up, 2019

Optional Image #4: Photographer Steve Silvers, G7000 Round HPS Hand On Knob Left USP3, 2019
Patents: Patent Pending. US20210094006A1. OHAUS Corporation. 2019

Patent Pending. EP3797868A1. OHAUS Corporation. 2019

Patent Pending. CN112570055A. OHAUS Corporation. 2019

Trademarks, SmartPresence™, SmartLink™, SmartRate™, SmartHeat™, SafetyHeat™, and SmartHousing™