DFM Optimization for Countertop Chai Machine
Budget: ₹75,000 – ₹150,000 INR
We are seeking an experienced DFM (Design for Manufacturing) Designer/Industrial Design Engineer to refine and optimize the design of our countertop chai-making machine for personal kitchens.
Our prototype is functional, and we need your expertise to make it production-ready while adhering to safety, usability, and aesthetic standards. Below is an outline of the design requirements and challenges:
Key Design Requirements
1. Form Factor & Dimensions:
1.1 Footprint: No more than 30cm x 30cm.
1.2 Height: No more than 45cm.
1.3 Modern Aesthetics: Neutral colors like matte black, brushed stainless steel, white, and gray with clean, sophisticated lines.
2. Component Layout:
2.1 Top Dispensing Unit:
2.1.1 A circular spice box (Indian masala box style) divided into 6 compartments (pies).
2.1.2 5 compartments for powdered spices (e.g., tea, sugar, etc.).
2.1.3 1 compartment for dispensing liquids like milk and water into the boiling pot.
2.1.4 Mechanism for liquid dispensing must:
2.1.4.1 Fit into one compartment.
2.1.4.2 Be easily removable and cleanable, with no crevices for milk residue.
2.1.5 Reference design provided (Fig. 1 and 1a), open to updates for DFM feasibility.
2.2 Below Dispensing Unit:
2.2.1 Rotating spoon (with load cell) enclosed in a cylinder:
2.2.1.1 Flaps at the top and bottom for powder release into the boiling pot.
2.2.1.2 Spoon must dispense precise amounts of spices based on weight.
2.2.1.3 Include proper ventilation to prevent humidity buildup.
2.3 Hotplate:
2.3.1 Induction plate with secure PCB enclosure.
2.3.2 Load cells at four corners for weight sensing.
2.3.3 Spill-proof and heat-dissipating design required.
3. User Interface:
3.1 Touchscreen display.
3.2 8 capacitive buttons.
3.3 Rotatable knob for hotplate power control.
3.4 Physical power on/off button.
4. Ventilation:
4.1 Exhaust fan to manage humidity in the boiling pot without disturbing dispensing accuracy.
5. Milk Container Design:
5.1 Container with an air pump attachment.
5.2 Mechanism should limit milk exposure to only a few easily cleanable parts.
6. Cable Management & Safety:
6.1 Secure housing for pre-designed PCBs.
6.2 Heat dissipation and electrical safety measures across all modules.
What We’re Looking For
- Expertise in DFM (Design for Manufacturing).
- Strong skills in Industrial Design for small kitchen appliances.
- Proven experience in designing for usability, cleanability, and modern aesthetics.
- Knowledge of mechanisms for liquid and powder dispensing.
- Attention to detail for heat dissipation, ventilation, cable management, and electrical safety.
- Ability to collaborate on refining existing components and proposing innovative solutions.
Deliverables
1. Production-ready 3D CAD models.
2. Updated spice dispensing mechanism (fits within one compartment, easy to clean/remove).
3. Milk container with optimized air pump mechanism.
4. Secure enclosure designs for all internal components.
5. Solutions for heat dissipation, ventilation, cable management, and electrical safety.
6. Detailed drawings and BOM for manufacturing.
Why Work with Us?
We’re a passionate team building a safe automatic chai-making technology.
If you love solving design challenges for IoT-enabled appliances, this is the perfect opportunity.
To Apply
Please share:
1. Examples of relevant projects (kitchen appliances preferred).
2. Your approach to DFM and industrial design for compact appliances.
3. Estimated timeline for delivery.
Our prototype is functional, and we need your expertise to make it production-ready while adhering to safety, usability, and aesthetic standards. Below is an outline of the design requirements and challenges:
Key Design Requirements
1. Form Factor & Dimensions:
1.1 Footprint: No more than 30cm x 30cm.
1.2 Height: No more than 45cm.
1.3 Modern Aesthetics: Neutral colors like matte black, brushed stainless steel, white, and gray with clean, sophisticated lines.
2. Component Layout:
2.1 Top Dispensing Unit:
2.1.1 A circular spice box (Indian masala box style) divided into 6 compartments (pies).
2.1.2 5 compartments for powdered spices (e.g., tea, sugar, etc.).
2.1.3 1 compartment for dispensing liquids like milk and water into the boiling pot.
2.1.4 Mechanism for liquid dispensing must:
2.1.4.1 Fit into one compartment.
2.1.4.2 Be easily removable and cleanable, with no crevices for milk residue.
2.1.5 Reference design provided (Fig. 1 and 1a), open to updates for DFM feasibility.
2.2 Below Dispensing Unit:
2.2.1 Rotating spoon (with load cell) enclosed in a cylinder:
2.2.1.1 Flaps at the top and bottom for powder release into the boiling pot.
2.2.1.2 Spoon must dispense precise amounts of spices based on weight.
2.2.1.3 Include proper ventilation to prevent humidity buildup.
2.3 Hotplate:
2.3.1 Induction plate with secure PCB enclosure.
2.3.2 Load cells at four corners for weight sensing.
2.3.3 Spill-proof and heat-dissipating design required.
3. User Interface:
3.1 Touchscreen display.
3.2 8 capacitive buttons.
3.3 Rotatable knob for hotplate power control.
3.4 Physical power on/off button.
4. Ventilation:
4.1 Exhaust fan to manage humidity in the boiling pot without disturbing dispensing accuracy.
5. Milk Container Design:
5.1 Container with an air pump attachment.
5.2 Mechanism should limit milk exposure to only a few easily cleanable parts.
6. Cable Management & Safety:
6.1 Secure housing for pre-designed PCBs.
6.2 Heat dissipation and electrical safety measures across all modules.
What We’re Looking For
- Expertise in DFM (Design for Manufacturing).
- Strong skills in Industrial Design for small kitchen appliances.
- Proven experience in designing for usability, cleanability, and modern aesthetics.
- Knowledge of mechanisms for liquid and powder dispensing.
- Attention to detail for heat dissipation, ventilation, cable management, and electrical safety.
- Ability to collaborate on refining existing components and proposing innovative solutions.
Deliverables
1. Production-ready 3D CAD models.
2. Updated spice dispensing mechanism (fits within one compartment, easy to clean/remove).
3. Milk container with optimized air pump mechanism.
4. Secure enclosure designs for all internal components.
5. Solutions for heat dissipation, ventilation, cable management, and electrical safety.
6. Detailed drawings and BOM for manufacturing.
Why Work with Us?
We’re a passionate team building a safe automatic chai-making technology.
If you love solving design challenges for IoT-enabled appliances, this is the perfect opportunity.
To Apply
Please share:
1. Examples of relevant projects (kitchen appliances preferred).
2. Your approach to DFM and industrial design for compact appliances.
3. Estimated timeline for delivery.