My final project from Fab Academy academic overlay 2023 was lacking in system integration.
Firstly, the electronics box was just a collection of devices and cables haphazardly placed inside a container. There was little to no cable management inside the box, and the PCB and power supply was moving around as it moved.
Additionally, the AC power connector and power switch were assembled poorly. They had the correct size holes on the box, but since the walls were made out of 3mm acrylic, their snap-fit features did not work. I had to file down the walls and the connector’s plastic to make it fit. This made it quite loose and not actually functioning as a safety measure. If I pulled on the cord, the connector would come apart.
Based on all these, I had a few improvements planned:
I started by tearing down the old box. In the process, I damaged the PCB. I have to do it again, oh well.
I designed the electronics box to fit everything snugly this time. I measured the power supply and PCB and the plugs, and designed the inside of the box to be 3D printed.
The outside of the box, I’m going to mill it out of sikablock. I chose this material because it is easier to mill than wood, and gives a great surface finish. This outer shell will cover the 3D printed inner enclosure on all sides, except the front where the power cable and buttons will be.
