Product Design & Prototype Lab
Product Overview
Development status snapshot and 8-angle product visualisation. All geometry is concept-stage. CAD and physical prototype not yet completed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Concept name | PURALUM Dual Crystal Applicator |
| Status | Concept direction approved |
| Purpose | Dual-surface natural potassium alum personal care applicator |
| Phase | Pre-prototype concept definition |
| Est. height | ~115 mm (provisional) |
| Est. weight | ~80 g (provisional) |
| Surfaces | Side A — face, flat oval · Side B — body, convex oval |
Scale & Ergonomics
Provisional size references. All dimensions require confirmation through CAD modelling and ergonomic prototype testing.
In an adult hand
Product shown at scale relative to average adult palm (~180mm). Grip zone ~35mm wide.
Face application
Side A (◯) held at cheek level. Circular or press-and-lift motion.
Underarm application
Side B (△) upward. Glide motion with light pressure.
Standing on counter
Product upright on flat surface. Stability requires P1 prototype test.
| Measurement | Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Total height | ~115 mm | Provisional |
| Maximum width | ~42 mm | Provisional |
| Grip width | ~35 mm | Provisional |
| Side A crystal contact | ~28 × 22 mm | Provisional |
| Side B crystal contact | ~30 × 24 mm | Provisional |
| Cap depth | ~18 mm | Provisional |
| Total weight | ~80 g | Provisional |
| Refill weight | ~40 g | Provisional |
📐 All measurements provisional. Final dimensions require CAD modelling and ergonomic prototype testing.
Product Architecture
Conceptual exploded view of 11 components. Internal construction is NOT confirmed. Engineering review required.
| # | Component | Material | Method | Est. Wt. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Side A Cap | PP or ABS | Injection mould | ~5g | Concept |
| 2 | Side A Crystal | Potassium alum | TBD | ~18g | Unconfirmed |
| 3 | Side A Support Cup | PP | Injection mould | ~4g | Concept |
| 4 | Upper Seal Ring | Silicone | Moulded | ~1g | Untested |
| 5 | Central Core | PP | Injection mould | ~12g | Concept |
| 6 | Silicone Grip | LSR Silicone | Over-moulded | ~15g | Concept |
| 7 | Lower Seal Ring | Silicone | Moulded | ~1g | Untested |
| 8 | Locking Ring | PP | Injection mould | ~3g | Under evaluation |
| 9 | Side B Support Cup | PP | Injection mould | ~4g | Concept |
| 10 | Side B Crystal | Potassium alum | TBD | ~18g | Unconfirmed |
| 11 | Side B Cap | PP or ABS | Injection mould | ~5g | Concept |
Component architecture is a working concept. Internal construction is NOT confirmed. Engineering review required before finalising.
Internal Cross-Section
Conceptual sectional diagram showing proposed internal layout. Actual construction depends on architecture selected in Section 5.
Wet-use cross-section
- Crystal A wetted and applied to skin
- Water drains via channels in support cup
- Seal rings prevent water entering centre
- Central channel — no water pathway between ends
- Silicone grip provides moisture-resistant hold
Dry-storage cross-section
- Both caps sealed with ventilation holes
- Airflow passes through cap vent holes
- Crystal moisture evaporates naturally
- No moisture trapped in sealed centre
- Seal rings protect central core from residual water
This is a working concept diagram. Actual internal architecture depends on engineering concept selected in Section 5.
Engineering Architecture Options
Three concept architectures under evaluation. No final architecture selected. Requires product engineer consultation and manufacturer feasibility review.
Concept A
Single Double-Ended Cartridge
One internal cartridge holds both crystal surfaces. Quarter-turn releases from central housing. Refill = one purchase, one swap.
Scoring
Concept B
Two Independent Modules
Side A and Side B crystal modules replace independently. Maximum hygiene isolation. Replace only the worn crystal.
Scoring
Concept C
Rotating Protective Housing
Crystals retract into housing during storage. Rotation exposes correct surface. No loose caps. Most complex mechanism.
Scoring
Crystal Manufacturing Options
Four methods compared. Manufacturing method selection drives refill system design, COGS, and product positioning. No method confirmed.
Method 1 — Grown Crystal
NaturalMethod 2 — CNC-Cut Alum Block
MachinedMethod 3 — Compressed Composite
⚠ Additive riskMethod 4 — Crystal in Polymer Carrier
HybridSide A & Side B Geometry
Contact geometry for each surface. Dimensions provisional. No medical or skin-treatment claims are made.
Side A — Face Applicator
◯ symbol · Forest green cap
Side B — Body Applicator
△ symbol · Sage green cap
No medical or skin-treatment claims are made. Crystal deodorant function is cosmetic. Contact geometry is under engineering evaluation.
Hygiene System
Intended use routine and physical hygiene design features. All hygiene performance claims require prototype validation.
Physical hygiene features
Separate surfaces
Physically separate crystal surfaces for face and body. Not a shared crystal.
Non-interchangeable caps
Different symbols, different colours, different sizes (concept). Prevents incorrect capping.
Drainage channels
Crystal seat has drainage channels to prevent water pooling at crystal base (concept).
Ventilated cap
Cap ventilation holes allow airflow when capped. Concept pending cap design finalisation.
Cap & Drying Concepts
Three cap mechanisms under evaluation. Drying dock and travel configuration concepts — none finalised.
Ventilated Snap Cap
Under evaluationSimple tooling, low cost
Allows airflow through crown
May loosen over time
Holes could trap residue
Twist-Lock Cap
Under evaluationMore secure retention
Clear locked/unlocked feedback
Slightly higher tooling cost
User must learn twist action
Magnetic Cap
⚠ Assess before adoptingPremium feel
No mechanical failure
Corrosion risk in wet conditions
Significantly higher COGS
Magnet/alum interaction unassessed
Refill Experience
Five-step refill sequence concept. Mechanism architecture not yet selected — quarter-turn shown corresponds to Concept A. Steps may change.
| Detail | Specification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock force | ~1–2 N·m rotation (estimated) | Not tested |
| Click/lock feedback | Audible click + alignment marks | Not validated |
| Orientation markers | Keyed insert prevents rotation mismatch | Concept |
| Sealing on refill | O-ring or snap seal at module junction | TBD |
| Disposal | General waste (alum is soluble mineral) | Under review |
| Face + body refilled together | Concept A: yes · Concept B: independently | Depends on arch. |
Drop & Breakage Protection
Potassium alum crystal is naturally brittle. Drop protection relies on design features — not material strength. All test results pending.
Protection design intentions
- Crystal recessed within support cup (not flush with edge)
- Silicone outer grip absorbs some shock on impact
- Cap protects crystal surface during storage
- Central grip zone positioned for secure hold
- Rounded silicone perimeter reduces corner impact forces
Crystal risk factors
- Natural alum crystal has internal cleavage planes — brittle
- Wet crystal is weaker than dry crystal
- Edge impacts more likely to crack than face impacts
- Tile floor is worst case (hard, unforgiving)
- After breakage: replacement should be quick and low-cost
Drop test matrix (to be conducted on P3 prototype)
| Test | Height | Surface | Condition | Pass Criteria | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drop 1 | 30 cm | Ceramic tile | Capped, dry | No crack | Not tested |
| Drop 2 | 30 cm | Ceramic tile | Uncapped, wet | No crack | Not tested |
| Drop 3 | 60 cm | Ceramic tile | Capped, dry | No crack | Not tested |
| Drop 4 | 60 cm | Ceramic tile | Uncapped, wet | Crack acceptable — no shattering | Not tested |
| Drop 5 | 100 cm | Ceramic tile | Capped, dry | No complete shattering | Not tested |
| Drop 6 | 30 cm | Timber floor | Capped, dry | No crack | Not tested |
| Drop 7 | 60 cm | Vinyl floor | Capped, dry | No crack | Not tested |
Materials & CMF
Colour, material and finish board. All material selections are proposals pending manufacturer confirmation.
Prototype Generations
Five prototype stages from ergonomic clay model to manufacturer sample. All stages are planned — none started.
P0 — Ergonomic Clay Model
Test basic size, hand grip, and reach geometry. No functional components.
Materials: Air-dry clay or foam
Expected output: Size adjustments, grip diameter confirmation
Result: Not started
P1 — 3D-Printed Appearance Model
Verify geometry, cap sizing, and standing stability. Photograph as realistic concept.
Materials: PLA or resin 3D print, painted
Requires: CAD file
Expected output: Final geometry approval for P2
Result: Not started — awaiting CAD
P2 — Functional Mechanical Prototype
Test refill mechanism, cap retention, drainage and assembly. No real crystal yet.
Materials: 3D print housing + silicone over-mould + dummy crystal inserts
Tests: 100 refill cycles · cap shake test · submersion · drainage timing
Expected output: Architecture decision + seal validation
Result: Not started — awaiting arch. selection
P3 — Crystal-Integrated Prototype
Real potassium alum crystal in P2 housing. Tests wear, wet/dry cycling, and drop resistance.
Materials: P2 housing + real potassium alum crystal
Tests: 200 use cycles · drop matrix · hygiene surface test
Expected output: Crystal method decision · drop protection validation
Result: Not started — awaiting P2 completion
P4 — Manufacturer Sample
Production-intent sample from manufacturer. Full test matrix, beta testing, authentic photography.
Materials: Production-intent materials from selected manufacturer
Tests: Full test matrix · 20-person beta · packaging transit
Expected output: Production approval or revision list
Result: Not started — awaiting P3 + manufacturer selection
Testing Matrix
20 validation tests across 5 prototype stages. All results pending. Click column headers to sort.
| Test ↕ | Stage ↕ | Method | Qty | Pass Criteria | Result | Owner ↕ | Status ↕ | Next Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grip comfort | P0 | User handling | 10 users | Rating >7/10 | — | Founder | Not started | Commission P0 |
| Face contact | P1 | Application trial | 10 users | No edge pressure complaints | — | Founder | Not started | Build P1 |
| Underarm contact | P1 | Application trial | 10 users | Comfortable coverage | — | Founder | Not started | Build P1 |
| Cap retention | P2 | Inversion + shake 100× | 5 units | No cap loss | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Cap ventilation | P2 | Humidity test 24h capped | 5 units | <20% humidity inside cap | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Water ingress | P2 | Submersion 30s | 5 units | No water in central core | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Drainage | P2 | Apply water, invert, observe | 5 units | Full drainage <60s | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Crystal cracking | P3 | 100 wet/dry use cycles | 5 units | No structural cracks | — | Engineer | Not started | Crystal method TBD |
| Crystal wear rate | P3 | 200 cycles, measure mass | 5 units | <5% mass loss/month (est.) | — | Engineer | Not started | Crystal method TBD |
| Refill removal | P2 | 50 refill cycles | 3 units | <5N removal force | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Refill locking | P2 | 50 lock cycles | 3 units | Positive lock every cycle | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Product stability | P1 | Upright on wet tile | 5 units | No tipping at 15° | — | Founder | Not started | Build P1 |
| Silicone staining | P2 | 30-day water exposure | 3 units | No visible discolouration | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Heat exposure | P2 | 24h at 50°C | 3 units | No distortion | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Cold exposure | P2 | 24h at 0°C | 3 units | No cracking | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Wet/dry cycling | P3 | 100 cycles | 5 units | No seal degradation | — | Engineer | Not started | Crystal method TBD |
| Travel durability | P2 | 500km vibration simulation | 3 units | No internal damage | — | Engineer | Awaiting arch. | Finalise architecture |
| Packaging transit | P4 | Drop test boxed product | 10 units | No product damage | — | Mfr | Not started | Select manufacturer |
| Hygiene validation | P3 | Microbiological surface test | 5 units | Meets cosmetic hygiene guidelines | — | Lab | Not started | Protocol TBD |
| Customer comprehension | P4 | First-use instruction test | 20 users | >90% correct first use | — | Founder | Not started | Build P4 |
Packaging System
Retail box, refill packaging and shipping concepts. All dimensions provisional — final packaging depends on product prototype.
Retail Box
FSC kraft board preferred. Crystal impact and moisture protection required.
Opened Box
Die-cut paper insert. Instruction card fold-out. Both caps facing outward.
Refill Packaging
Small kraft box. Indicates Side A or Side B. Crystal wrapped in tissue and protective paper.
| Item | Proposed Spec | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Retail box dimensions | ~55 × 55 × 130 mm | Provisional |
| Retail box material | FSC-certified kraft board preferred | Concept |
| Plastic window | Avoided (eco positioning) | Concept |
| Crystal impact protection | Die-cut paper insert, no movement in transit | TBD |
| Refill box dimensions | ~50 × 50 × 60 mm | Provisional |
| Retail box weight (full) | ~130 g (product + packaging) | Provisional |
| Shipping carton | 24 units per carton (provisional) | Provisional |
Final packaging dimensions depend on physical prototype. Moisture protection requirements to be tested.
Manufacturer Handoff
Full manufacturer brief available at manufacturer-brief.html. All CAD and engineering files are pending.
STEP Assembly
Full product assembly file
Component STEP Files
Individual component files
STL Appearance Model
For 3D print visualisation
Dimensioned PDF Drawings
Orthographic views with dimensions
Exploded View PDF
Component assembly diagram
CMF Specification
Colour, material, finish board
Bill of Materials
Full BOM spreadsheet
Prototype Test Plan
P0–P4 test protocols
Packaging Dieline
Retail box and refill box
RFQ Document
Request for quotation
Ready to discuss manufacturing?
View the full manufacturer brief including component list, provisional dimensions, RFQ fields, and supplier response form.
View Manufacturer Brief →Design Decision Log
Dated record of design decisions, alternatives considered, and rationale. Updated as decisions are made.
| Ver. | Decision | Alternatives | Reason | By | Status | Cost Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1 | Dual-ended format | Single-ended, set of two separate products | One product for two uses — stronger value proposition | Founder | Approved | Neutral |
| V2 | 100% potassium alum only — no additives | Compressed composite with binder | Brand positioning as "one ingredient" product | Founder | Approved | TBD |
| V3 | Separate caps for each end | Rotating housing (Concept C) | Simpler mechanism, easier to prototype, lower tooling cost | Founder | Provisional | Lower |
| V3 | Quarter-turn refill (Concept A) | Two independent modules (Concept B) | Simpler refill experience for consumer | Founder | Under evaluation | TBD |
| V3 | Silicone over-mould grip | All-polymer housing | Comfort, premium feel, moisture grip | Founder | Provisional | +$2–3/unit est. |
| V3 | Forest/sage two-colour caps | Uniform single cap colour | Visual side differentiation without reading label | Founder | Provisional | Minimal |
| V4 | Three architecture concepts under evaluation | N/A — V3 selected Concept A prematurely | Architecture was selected without engineering validation. V4 returns to open evaluation. | Founder | Current | Depends on selection |
Development Gates
Eight gates must pass in sequence before production. Progress is tracked by gate completion, not calendar dates.
Gate 1 — Concept & Architecture Approved In progress
Brand defined · dual-surface concept validated · visual direction approved · architecture under evaluation (not yet complete)
Gate 2 — CAD & Ergonomic Prototype Approved Pending
CAD files completed · P0 and P1 prototypes built · grip and geometry confirmed · final dimensions locked
Gate 3 — Functional Mechanism Validated Not started
P2 prototype passes: refill mechanism · cap retention · water ingress · drainage · assembly test
Gate 4 — Crystal Prototype Passes Durability Not started
P3 prototype passes: wet/dry cycling · crystal cracking · drop test · wear rate · hygiene surface test
Gate 5 — Manufacturer Sample Passes Quality Review Not started
P4 manufacturer sample passes full test matrix · materials confirmed · tooling validated
Gate 6 — Beta Testing Completed Not started
20+ real users test product · feedback documented · issues resolved · comprehension test passed
Gate 7 — COGS, Regulatory & Claims Confirmed Not started
Unit economics locked · regulatory review completed · all marketing claims validated against test results · shipping economics confirmed
Gate 8 — Production Order Approved Not started
All above gates passed · funding secured · purchase order issued to manufacturer · production begins
Current position: Gate 1 in progress
Concept approved · architecture evaluation underway · no CAD, no prototype, no manufacturer