Devlog #5

CAD Modeling

With the code and PCB done, I needed a frame to hold all of the hardware together. Therefore, I spent a couple hours designing two cases in Fusion360 - one to house the PCB, and one to house the fan and the carbon filter I was using.

PCB Case

This PCB case is a little different than the ones I’ve designed so far. For one, the MOSFET and the capacitor that arrived on the PCB assembly I ordered from JLCPCB were much larger than I’d imagined, so I needed to design holes in my casing to accommodate for their size. Additionally, the ENS160 + AHT21 sensor needs generous access to air in order to provide accurate readings. I couldn’t encase them in the casing entirely, so I needed several unusual holes in my design so as not to interfere with the placements on my PCB board.

I ended up designing a snap-fit housing with two parts - top and bottom (my first time designing a snap-fit joint!). The top part has several holes to ensure enough spacing for PCB components such as the OLED screen and keyswitch. It’s not air tight, but I really only need it to keep the PCB isolated and make things more presentable.

Fan Holder Case

I also needed to model a CAD case for the desktop fan to hold it and the active carbon filter in place. The fan case itself is actually a very simple design - three separate “panels” held in place with 4 screws and heat inserts.