Portrait oriented case
Case and Component Models for a 3.7" Portrait LCD
This is a second attempt at a case design, starting from scratch with a different approach. Since all component parts are dimensioned in mm, this case is also in mm. It is constructed as an assembly model, and each component part is modelled separately. These parts can easily be imported into other modelling packages, they are used to figure out internal layout, and to help specify mounting points.
The case thickness is set by the components, the current case design is 18mm thick, which is made up of
- 2mm for the front bezel - the LCD is set into the bezel about half way
- 5mm for the rest of the LCD (it has some components on the back, but not in the area where the battery will be)
- 9mm for components = 9mm for the battery
- OR 1mm space under PCB, 1mm for PCB and 7mm for a Telit module
- 2mm for back case
= 18mm total
The 3D printer can't go as thin as injection molded cases. Its like a 3D jigsaw puzzle.... The Telit module has a slot for a SIM card that would be accessed by removing the battery, that sets its position and orientation, that sets the GSM and GPS antenna connectors orientation. The sparkfun GPS antenna is 25mm square, although OpnMoko uses one that is 15mm, which we may be able to share. This is located in the front plane alongside the LCD, which I moved up to one end to make more space....
The design has been created using Alibre Express, which is free (they emailed me a licence key valid for a year). Its a Windows based, entry level parametric CAD package with some advanced features disabled. The part files are available in Alibre native format and in IGES, and the case design is available in STL format ready to be printed on the 3D printer. The first one has been printed, contact Adrian for the latest design files, they keep changing...:
- STL files for the first printed prototype - zipped pair of parts Media:Case37.zip
