Product Design / GAS DETECTION
The ALTAIR® 4 Multigas Detectors
The Altair family of multigas detectors are portable devices that combine innovative safety features along with rugged design. For use in the oil, gas, & petrochemical industries, utilities & communications services, civil engineering, municipal works & wastewater management, & the fire service industry this is an essential device that keeps workers safe from injury & possible fatalities while on the worksite.
Key features for this product include:
Large buttons & high-contrast screen make operation easy in low-light conditions
Ribbed rubber over-molded housing provides secure grip & high durability featured in both black hycar & glow-in-the dark housings
IP67 rated against dust & water ingress, & passes a 10+ foot drop test
Unit features 95+ db vibrating alarm & ultra-bright LEDs on both its top & bottom for maximum visibility
If the user is disabled a motion alert feature will activate if the instrument does not detect movement within 30 seconds which a user can manually deactivate
An instant alert feature also allows users to manually alert others to potentially hazardous situations
Data logging, calibration, & bump testing are fast & easy to use with the Galaxy automated test system
Awards:
IDSA Finalist / International Design Excellence Awards 2008
MSA Product of the Year 2008 (Altair 4)
MSA Product of the Year 2012 (Altair 4X)
National Safety Congress & Expo ‘Best In Show’ 2017 (Altair 4XR)
Altair 4 Product Features & Accessories
Collaboration is one of the very best parts of being involved in designing high end products that have the potential to save lives. Working with talented group of mechanical engineers, electrical technicians, & software developers to bring the wants & needs of the end user is a rewarding endeavor that can’t be easily matched. I was very fortunate to act as both industrial designer, UI graphics & branding expert for the Altair family of multigas detectors along with many of its accessories to help test & calibrate the product.
The Altair family of products have won many awards over the years for its innovative features, dependability, and ease of use. The following illustrates these qualities, concept development, & two accessories including a portable truck charger & an inexpensive quickcheck calibration unit.
Altair Accessories
The Altair 4X Multi-Gas truck charger was produced as a portable battery charger that could be mounted to any workable surface or a vehicle using a standard 12v DC cigarette adapter plug. Ideas included both standalone version & optional nesting configurations.
The Altair 4 Quickcheck Station was created as a way for users to quickly ensure that visual & audible alarm activations functioned correctly & gas sensor response passed daily tests before usage. Tests could be completed in less than one minute & up to two units would link to a Galaxy System cylinder holder in order to speed up preparation time. The Altair 4 detectors record the date, time, & testing results as built-in logs up to 500 events.