Schematics for the ultrasonic positioning system (Proteus ISIS) 2003

 

 

Hardware design I would say for me consists of designing the circuits that power my devices and also the Mechanical Engineering that goes into the all important enclosure.  Many of my designs go straight to the PCB design without a clear schematic.  This is often because my schematic is on the back of a fag packet or contained in some upside down superglued chips wired together with enameled wire as fine as hair.  But documentation is important for others to follow the work and also aids fault finding.  So it is important nonetheless. 

 

Scyron Darc 50 Light 2006

 

I design cicuits that are both digital and analogue.  Analogue seems to be a forgotten art these days, and I must admit it keeps me on my toes.  Anyone who dabbles in electronics will be familiar with a schematic and it could be summed up as a road map, where the cities are electronic components.  x4 Enclosure Design Of course a bunch of wires might seem impressive but packing it away very neatly is possibly far more complicated from a design standpoint.  The x4 is constructed from a single piece of aluminium alloy which is then machined out to my exact cad drawings. 

 

x4 Wearable Computer 2006

 

 

Above you can see what the enclusure looks like.  Basically, I will start out with all my components on my desk and a caliper and accurately measure each component (ignoring the datasheet).  I will then add little clearance boxes on everything that might stick out like connectors.

 

Wearable Layout (Solidworks 2004)

 

The x4 at the design stage The x4 started with a bunch of components then it was a case of getting the case to fit round it as tightly as possible.  My designs often incorporate an art deco theme, because I think it goes well with aluminium, and its strong lines can often be incorporated into the cooling systems.  The enclosure has to be physically robust, must protect the innards, and provide clever cooling methods such as the interference cut on along the central spine shown here.  Foremost is always a knowledge of how to make things.  Its easy to design something that you cannot possibly produce, so this is where my knowledge of mechanical systems comes in.

 

Aero Wiper Mod for older cars (Solidworks 2004)

 

Of course, once you get into cad drawing and have your own CNC workshop to make things, you can concentrate your efforts on the important things in life and make all sorts of funky things like chess pieces, coasters. etc. AeroWiper Mod Bored with squeeky wipers on the car, I liked the new frameless low profle wipers on new top notch car and thought - "Hmm I can get those to fit....".

 

AeroWipers - Custom Fit!

 

My AeroWipers, you can only just see them inside, quieter, better all round. After a bit of cad drawing and then machining, I made some AeroWiper adapters to fit the funky aerowipers to my car.  Well you have got to really haven't you?  Ok just me then. :)