This week, I helped write the Design presentation, created a Solidworks model of the rough idea for how the components would look like, finalized ordering for plastic parts, and discussed more design decisions with the team.
The CAD model really helped cement some of our design decisions such as the configuration the lights would be placed (we decided in a row would look better than zig zag), and the exact spacing of parts (such as deciding the mics will go 1⁄4 and 3⁄4 of the way along the length for equidistance from the center). Because we’ll control all the Neopixels with 1 pin, this means that 1 side of the lights must be on the opposite side as where the pin is, so this will mean our PCB will have traces that travel under the microcontroller to get to the other side. This will probably be fine, since that is a design practice used in industry as well, and it won’t be traveling too far.
To finalize the size of the tubing, we chose ones with the thinnest walls because we’re still trying to minimize the size, but also I did some estimated calculations of choosing an inner diameter tubing that’s slightly smaller than the current width of the PCB. This is because we’re going to try changing the tube shape technique mentioned last week, so the compressed oval should have the dimensions we need. A final consideration that I can think of is to remember to cut some holes on the ends of the PCB so I can tie string to them to help pull the PCB through the tube, since that’ll probably be easier than pushing. Last resort for the tubing would be to cut it open and reseal, but that sounds like we might as well try the plastic sheet idea.
Finally, the idea of swapping batteries came up, so I had some ideas to add velcro to the plastic wrap surrounding it for more convenient access instead of permanently sealing it, but that remains to be seen when we interview our user group on Monday, as discussed in the team report.
Last week, I said I’d try to get to the PCB and Beetle, but unfortunately this week was pretty exhausting for all these deadlines for classes so I didn’t get to that (in addition, the Beetle didn’t get here in time early enough in the week to pick it up and start testing). PCB used to not be on the Gaant chart,and now it is. I would really like to have a PCB prototype done by the end of next week in order to utilize spring break “waiting time for shipping” effectively. The electronic prototyping with the Beetle was scheduled for next week anyways, so that’s still on track technically.
