17. System Integration
In this week's work, I will discuss my plans to make the campus ROVER a cohesive and integrated product.
We engineers have earned a reputation for prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. However, in product development, designs should be both functional and beautiful. After all, who would want to drive an ugly car or scooter?
Part of my thought process for system integration has always included branding, regardless of whether the product will be sold commercially. Projects look more appealing when they have branding, creating a product identity and aesthetic language that enhances their appeal. For campusROVER, branding involves not just a name or logo, but also a distinct color, shape, and functional identity that extends to its products. I intend for campusROVER to embody an aggressive yet sleek and modern brand personality, starting from the logo's colors to the final product characteristics. This design approach aims not only for functionality but also to express a coherent brand identity, within my manufacturing capabilities.
1. Color Scheme:
The campusROVER logo features a distinctive light blue color, which will be integrated into the product. However, using light blue exclusively on the entire scooter would not convey sleekness and modernity. Instead, the light blue will serve as a secondary color in the scooter's assembly—applied to plastic covers, paint accents, and every visible campusROVER logo on the product. No other color sets should be prominently visible to maintain the intended color structure.
2. Cable Management:
Nothing undermines the concept of "sleekness" more than visible, color-coded cables protruding from every crevice of the product. If cables must be visible, they should match the product's color scheme and be enclosed in protective casings. Ideally, cables should be concealed wherever possible.
To achieve this, I plan to minimize cable exposure by routing them inside the steel profiles used for the main chassis. For cables that cannot be hidden, black cable organizers will be used to secure and conceal them. Another strategy involves reducing the number of cables by designing PCB boards (one for the dashboard and one for power control) that can be easily interconnected using flat cable assemblies. This approach not only enhances the professionalism of connections but also eliminates the complexity of managing multiple individual cables.
3. Secure Screw Joints:
When joining components, screws and nuts are often the primary choice due to their mechanical strength. However, special consideration is needed in environments prone to vibrations, as these vibrations can loosen nuts over time. To address this issue, I will use solutions like flanged and nylon lock nuts, which remain secure even in vibrating environments. Incorporating these types of nuts into my project is essential to ensuring lasting mechanical integrity.
4. Stable and Reliable Electronics:
Electronics design, particularly for circuits handling high currents or voltages, requires careful selection of components and robust connection methods to ensure reliable operation. Operating components close to their maximum power ratings can reduce lifespan or lead to system failure upon powering up. Therefore, choosing components with adequate power ratings and safety margins is crucial.
Thank you for taking a look into my 17th week's progress!