RDM and Altavian are making tremendous progress in the AltavaMask project, expecting to create over 130,000 masks in just a matter of time. The RDM Team has been hard at work and is looking forward to all other COVID-19 product development projects that come our way. As for the AltavaMask project, there were three main phases we used to develop the mask gaskets. These three phases are the phases we always use when developing products with clients: Conceptualizing, Prototyping, and Building Your Product. Phase 1, also known as Conceptualizing, is the first phase that we will be going in depth today with our interview with RDM’s COO, Elezar Tonev.

What are the most important components of Phase 1 for the AltavaMask project? 

“There are several things that needed to be considered before beginning Phase 1 of the AltavaMask project. These included: 

Fit – There needed to be a seal between the users face and the mask.

Function – The mask needed to have a replaceable filter and be sterilizable.

Form – Although not as important as fit and function, the mask needed to look approachable. 

Looking ahead we knew the design would need to be universal and would also have to allow the “maker community” to print the mask while keeping the design simple enough to be manufactured at scale.”

What were some of the main challenges of Phase 1? 

“The biggest challenge was quickly being able to integrate two teams of engineers that hadn’t worked with each other before. Additionally, bringing all hands-on deck within 24 hours to begin the design while having to tend to existing client responsibilities was very difficult, but we managed to get it all done.”

What were you able to accomplish during Phase 1? 

“During Phase 1,  Altavian lead the development of the hard-plastic mask and filter cap, while RDM focused on developing the face mask seal. By dividing and conquering we were able to turn around a several initial concepts of the new mask within a week with a heavy focus on preparing the masking for large scale manufacturing and being able to get feedback from medical professionals as quickly as possible.”

What was it like working with another team of engineers? 

“It was a great opportunity to work with a rapidly growing company right in our backyard. The team was very welcoming, and we quickly established a great working experience with an end goal in mind to help others in this time of crisis and make an impact. We have spent countless hours together and it has been a rewarding experience.”