Redesign Casing for Ai Circuit Board
Project Summary
Using a circuit board acquired from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the Optra brand needed the external casing to match their existing suite of AI computing products.
My Role
Collaborate with engineering and brand managers to redesign the external casing of the AI circuit board to align with the existing suite of Optra’s AI computing devices.
Research & Analysis
Reviewed Brand Guidelines
The guidelines explained the brand’s key attributes: robust, secure, connected, and aware; as well as the various colors and how they were used throughout the brand and on the current product line.
Analyzed Optra’s Product Suite
I looked at the current products’ design language to see how the brand’s key attributes translated into a physical form, and identified a set of design elements that I used as inspiration during the initial sketching and iteration phase.
Original Product Analysis & Constraints
After meeting with my engineering contact, I understood that the external casing’s dimensions of 60mm by 90mm and port arrangement were rigid. I was also asked to explore concepts that maintained a removable plastic component as it allowed the hidden antenna to broadcast its signal.
Discrete Technology Inspiration
Images of discrete technology (e.g. WiFi routers, modems, smart TVs, etc.) were gathered to see how the external casing was designed to be inconspicuous but still reflect the products’ internal technology and brand.
Sketches Based off Design Research
Top view sketches were created to record any ideas that the research inspired.
I created perspective sketches that used green pencil to highlight the potential plastic component, then quickly moved to CAD iterations due to the short, 4-6 week timeline.
3D CAD Modeling Process
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Initial CAD Concepts
CAD models were created in Siemens NX, based on ideas explored through sketching, to see how the scale and proportions translated into 3-dementions.
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Review & Refinement
After reviewing the rendered concepts, the team requested that I explore designs without the plastic component due to the consideration of an external antenna.
3D Printed
Models
During the CAD modeling process, several concepts were sent to the model shop for 3D printing and painting to help the Optra team finalize the design direction.
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My Final Design
Engineering Changes
Engineering Refinements
After reviewing the 3D printed models with the Optra team, I was tasked with modeling the final design changes before engineering made their refinements.
Once the final design was completed, the engineering team transferred the top topography into a bent aluminum two-piece body
Final Design & Product Launch
The final design uses bent sheet metal aluminum with rack-mount holes on either side, and an external removable antenna.
The topography design on the top cover is a modern take on the brand language while helping to create a more streamlined manufacturing process.
Project Take Aways
Navigating varying project constraints while maintaining high design standards.
Customizing designs to meet specific engineering requirements.
Overseeing multiple projects within tight deadlines.
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