10-04-2022, 04:34 AM
(10-03-2022, 08:39 PM)jc_pine Wrote: Lots of software devs donating to this project, I say those of us with mechanical engineering abilities need to pull our weight! To that end, I have started some development on this subject.
I'm thinking that we develop a case under a Libre-type license. Editing and manufacture are rights retained by the end user. You are permitted to sell the physical components, but you must provide .stp files upon request.
My initial thoughts are to make a single-piece hard plastic case with undercuts in the corners to retain the phone. This could be 3d printed as a PoC, but molded later using "stripping" methods, similar to how coke bottle caps are made.
All outside edges are to protrude somewhat above the screen to protect in case of flat-on-screen impact/sliding. This is a deficiency in the current case (soft tpu) that I noticed immediately.
I think that the reason for the success of otterbox et al is the use of a hard shell around a soft foam core. The hard shell distributes the forces away from area of impact, and the foam is very inefficient at transferring energy.
One other deficiency in the existing cases is the fact that a corner impact is immediately lethal. I would recommend (on our end) making the internal radii on the corners smaller than the corners of the phone to permit the case to deflect on impact. On Pine64's end, I think making the rear case fit somewhat tighter and enlarging it to make the case become the first component that impacts would help, although proper design on our end would negate the need for action on their end.
Josh
Update:
REV 0 ready for printing. I'll toss it in the printer and let you all know how it goes. Will need to buy self adhesive EPDM from McMaster.
Not sure how to test if my screen is already cracked
