Tru Defender
Hazardous Chemical Material Analyzer For TSWG
for Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the world’s largest life science and clinical research companies, specializing in analytical instruments, clinical development solutions, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology services.
The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) requested Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a hazardous chemical material analyzer leveraging the company’s expertise. Thermo Fisher Scientific then approached Altitude, their long-time design and development partner, to assist with user experience and product design.
Challenge: Minimize Heat and Maximize Durability.
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s main request was to develop a device housing design based on existing components that had already been developed according to TSWG’s requirements.
Designing around non-changeable components always imposes limitations, but this time, the design team faced an additional challenge: the components were prone to overheating. This could potentially caused malfunction of the device, especially when the device is used for extended periods in high-temperature environments.
Since TSWG operates in a variety of environments, the overheating issue needed to be addressed through the housing design—despite the fixed components.
Along with thermal concerns, another critical design requirement was durability. The device must perform reliably in harsh and demanding conditions.
Based on these challenges and insights, the design team defined the primary goal: to minimize heat and maximize durability.
The design concept was developed with this objective at its core.
“Tru Defender”: TSWG’s Trustworthy, True Partner—Defined by Purposeful, Functional Design
“The Tru Defender” is built with an aluminum component case and a protective rubber boot—each element serving a clear functional and practical purpose.
The aluminum case was selected not only for its strength but also for its thermal performance. Integrated heat sinks on both sides efficiently manage internal temperatures, ensuring reliable operation even under sustained use.
Encasing the aluminum body is a robust rubber boot, designed to serve multiple roles: protection against impact and environmental stressors, as well as enhanced ergonomics for confident handling. Its contoured form creates a natural grip that aligns with how users interact with the device in real-world conditions.
Function and airflow are harmonized through carefully positioned ventilation holes along the angled top and bottom edges of the boot. These openings are strategically aligned with the heat sinks to facilitate cooling—allowing air to circulate while preserving the Tru Defender’s rugged, sealed aesthetic.
The dual-purpose angled surfaces not only aid in heat dissipation but also contribute to a firm, tactile grip—underscoring the fusion of functional necessity and design.
“The Tru Defender” stands as a true partner to TSWG—reliable, intuitive, and built to perform by design.
* “The Tru Defender” was produced in a small quantity exclusively for TSWG.
Officer Website: www.thermofisher.com
Design Team:
Joongoo Lee (Industrial Design Lead) at Altitude, Inc.
Mechanical Engineering Team:
Cindy Waflen (Mechanical Engineering Lead) and Alexander Tee (Project Lead / Manager) at Altitude, Inc.
Design Credit:
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Altitude, Inc.