FAQ’s
December 11, 2007
Polycase has added a brand new FAQ’s (Internet lingo for “frequently asked questions”) section to Polycase.com. It’s purpose is to help answer the common questions and concerns of our customers. We will be adding content to the FAQ’s and would like to know what topics YOU think would make a worthy addition! So add a comment and be HEARD!
To check out the Polycase FAQ’s page click here
I think there is an oversight about plastic enclosures that no one is addressing.
Currently, most enclosures for handheld electronic instruments do not permit regular access to the inside.
Many users need an enclosure that can easily be opened, …and opened regularily without limitations.
A lot of applications require it, for example to make settings for each use, then close the cover for protection.
Most enclosures need a screwdriver to open which may be inconvenient. And, as well, the plastic screw holes don’t tolerate repeated use.
For example, would you expect to open the hood of your car engine by unscrewing it everytime? No, and if you did, you would not want to use self-tapping screws that quickly strip the plastic base.
We need an enclosure that opens with perhaps a latch, or slide door, hinge, or long lasting snap lock built for REPEATED OPENING/CLOSING.
A screw fastening could be ok, as long as the screws and hole threads do not wear out. Hammond plastic enclosures use brass screw jacks, but the thread is so fine, that they wear out and strip easily.
I think there is a large market area for this feature that no one is addressing.
Rich Hoffman
Photologic Ltd., Toronto
http://www.photologic.ca
@Rich
Thanks for taking the time to make such a great post! This is very valuable feedback! This is definitely something we will keep in mind as we expand our hand held product line.
We try diligently to design our enclosures so that they can be used in as many different applications as possible, but yet keep the design as unique as possible. The feedback we have received thus far has been that our customers do not want their end users to be able to access the electronics inside the enclosure. We’ve even had requests for tamper-resistant screws!
As you’ve pointed out, threaded brass inserts are a good solution since it accomplishes both repeated on/off assembly & remains somewhat “tamper proof” unless you have a screw driver. The only issue is that the cost of the enclosure is increased due to the inserts & insert assembly process.
What about an enclosure that snapped together? Have you had any experiences with these? A minor concern of ours with this type of enclosure is the rigidity of the enclosure if it was dropped with all of the added weight of the electronic components and the batteries. The worst case scenario would be if the 2 halves of the enclosure would “unsnap” upon impact and all or some of the components were compromised.
What type of components would you need access to? Are they small enough (dip switch for example) that they could be accessed through a machined cutout without even removing the cover?
Enclosure man,
I’m looking at your little FB-Series keyfob enclosures for a security application of mine. It looks like both of your FB boxes use conductive switches on the bottom of the buttons. I’m considering using tactile buttons on my PCB. Can these enclosures be used with tactile buttons?
Tim,
Thanks for the feedback. The FB-20 & FB-40 enclosures are not designed to be used with tactile buttons. The rubber keypads on these enclosures have conductive “pills” on the bottom of the buttons. Here is an image of the bottom of the buttons with the dark black conductive pills visable.
The top of the PCB typically has tracings of an interlocking finger pattern below each button. The size of the trace pattern should be at least 1.25 times larger than the conductive pill & gold or nickel plating is recommended. The width of the finger tracings is typically 0.010” – 0.020” & the distance between the fingers is typically 0.012” – 0.016”. When the button is pressed down the conductive carbon pill closes the circuit of interlocking fingers. See image here for visual details!
The enclosures were designed this way because if you have this conductive button design than that eliminates the cost associated with purchasing tactile buttons as well as populating the top of the PCB with components.
If you or anybody else feels like tactile buttons on keyfobs are the way to go, I’d love to discuss this so give me a post!