Future-proofed design fits motion control

A Hothouse Product Development Partners product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 19, 2004

The novel design of an enclosure for a new motion controller is so versatile that it can also be used for housing other current and future products still in development.

Hothouse Product Development Partners has designed the enclosure for a new motion controller, which is so versatile that it can also be used for housing other current and future products still in development.

This design has been named as a driving force in the recent project, which involved the creation of a modern and streamlined range of controllers for the drive systems manufacturer, Quin Systems.

The Hothouse designed casework was created to address Quin Systems' issues of versatility, future needs, ease of manufacturing and cost advantages.

This enclosure design allows the finished unit to be more compact and initiated its move from metal to plastic casings.

The change in material cut manufacturing costs substantially and provided superior cosmetic and functional benefits.

Casing design is no longer fettered by the limitations of low-volume metal forming.

Originally planned for the introduction of the QControl 4 motion controller, Quin Systems has already successfully applied the benefits of this design to another two new products.

Hothouse matched their design to its manufacture by cost-effective methods for small-volume build and assisted in the sourcing of its suppliers.

This contributed to the commercial benefits of the design for Quin Systems, which expects increased sales due to improved presentation of its products.

"The new look and feel that Hothouse has created has played a major part in this project", commented Colin Pryor, Project Engineer at Quin Systems.

"The flexible approach that this design provides has been extremely beneficial to us".

The curvilinear form of the universal side panel is designed so that it can be applied to either side of the case.

The bespoke left-hand panel provides a robust mounting that holds and reinforces a standardised motherboard against high connection and withdrawal forces.

The other panel permits easy CNC machining to cater for specialised connector apertures in low-volume variants, while its sturdy build is also "future-proofed", with a preplanned capacity for future connector entry points.

This configuration allows the case to be used for products not yet envisaged.

The design employs a single wraparound metal fascia, forming a chassis construction in combination with the motherboard and left-hand panel.

The fascia caters for all other connector locations and graphic designations, providing a conveniently adjustable component for future product variations.

"These motion controllers show the benefits of a thoughtful and integrated approach to industrial design", stated Peter Bessey, Senior Partner at Hothouse.

"We ensured that the design gained benefits from its manufacturing methods, as well as achieving both style and functionality".