DIY Monitor

Software / Tools / Machines

• Onshape

• TinkerCAD

• 3D printer

• Electronic Components (Various)

 

The Process

I wanted to recreate a case I previously created for a 7-inch portable LCD project.

 

• The Case fitted the following:

• Battery (2 x 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery)

• Micro USB Lithium Battery Charger Module

• 7 Inch LCD

• LCD Controller board

• On/Off Power Switch

• Remote PCB for Display (Source, Input/Out, etc)

 

The minimal viable product in the prior scenario hardly fit. Although I did like it and thought it was a successful design, the backplate stopped fitting properly after a few usages, and many parts (such as the remote buttons) were either missing or incorrectly fitting.

 

I want to create a brand-new case that will suit typical tripod or camera stands, adequately hold all the parts, and be incredibly solid and durable. In order to do this, I needed to do research, which I started by the tripod ¼ inch standard (ISO-1222-2010) by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Doing so would allow me to use any tripod accessory I wanted. Moreover, I wanted to take inspiration from my previous design while fixing its previous issues and making it very structurally stable. After I did my research and analyzed my previous TinkerCAD design, I went straight to measuring everything. This is a very vital step to ensure everything would properly fit. Next, I started on the 3D design of each piece in Onshape. I made an assembly and got it 3D printed. For the first time, I didn't seem to have any issues with the prototype, except for buttons that didn't print accurately.

 

Enjoyment

I very much enjoyed doing this project because I rarely have the opportunity to go back and finish a previous job. This demonstrated to me that although the product (case) I had before seemed to me to be good enough and I was pleased with its conception in the more basic program (Tinkercad), it was not entirely completed and could always be improved. Technically speaking, the redesign I created in OnShape was far better than the prior one, and I'm much happier with how it feels physically.  

 

Lessons learned 

Given that I recall how challenging some aspects of the design were to complete in Tinkercad, working on this project further highlighted my appreciation and relevancy for parametric design with Onshape. I completed the measurements for the redesign in a far more accurate and timely manner, even though learning Onshape required more time. If I had more time and used more and more advanced tools, I believe I could continuously enhance this project that I consider finished right now. Finishing this project demonstrated to me how a design is never truly final and may be improved indefinitely. I greatly learned a lot about physical design and Onshape.

 

What I would change if I started over 

If I started over, I would try to implement the same principles I learned to make a stable and strong structure, but completely change the design without taking inspiration from my last design. That means I could explore making a glued design rather than a screw/snap two piece design. I believe there are many ways I could approach my case design to make it slimmer —though it might hinder its strength the thinner it becomes— so if I had the opportunity, I would do a complete redesign.