Tablet Case & Stand

Overview

This project focused on designing a protective tablet case and stand for use in a workshop environment. The goal was to ensure durability, functionality, and protection from everyday wear and tear, including accidental drops, while maintaining full access to the tablet’s features.

Design Objectives

  1. Robustness: The case and stand must withstand the harsh conditions of a workshop, including accidental drops and impacts.
  2. Protection: Ensure the tablet body and screen are shielded from damage while in use.
  3. Functionality: Maintain access to the tablet’s buttons, ports, and camera, ensuring usability while in the case.

Development Process

Tablet Case Design

  • The case was designed in two clip-together halves, enabling easy assembly and secure enclosure of the tablet.
  • Material choice: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) was used due to its flexibility and shock-absorbing properties, printed at low infill to enhance impact resistance.
  • Button Extenders: Custom PLA inserts were designed to extend the tablet’s buttons, maintaining full functionality while protected by the case.

Tablet Stand Design

  • The initial stand was printed in PLA for rigidity. However, field testing revealed it was too brittle for long-term use in a workshop environment.
  • A replacement stand was designed and printed in TPU, offering improved durability and resilience while maintaining the stiffness needed to securely support the tablet.

Results

The final tablet case and stand successfully meet the design objectives:

  • Robust Protection: The TPU case provides excellent shock absorption, protecting the tablet from drops and bumps.
  • Enhanced Usability: The PLA button extenders ensure all tablet features remain fully functional.
  • Improved Durability: Switching the stand material from PLA to TPU enhanced its ability to endure workshop conditions, combining flexibility and structural integrity.

This project demonstrates the importance of iterative design and material testing in achieving a functional, durable, and user-friendly solution for demanding environments.

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