inet-mbh

The Modular Board Holder design for the inet-nm from the INET working group.

Purpose

The goal of this (aside from learning) is to create a stackable, expandable case to hold the many different types of embedded development kits we use. We would like to have an easy way to connect and disconnect these development kits to a server via USB hubs (similar to quick swap HDDs or drives).

Glossary

• bc_s (Board Clip - Single) - A pcb board holder clip fitting a single position.

• bc_d (Board Clip - Dual) - A pcb board holder clip fitting a two positions.

• bh (Board Holder) - The flat slot that the board and usb will clip into.

• mbh (Modular Board Holder) - The overall project.

• mc (Modular Container) - The large box that interconnects.

• src (Sliding Ratchet Clip) - Is a clip used to fasten the SRH to a specific position acting like the other size of the zip tie.

• srh (Sliding Ratchet Holder) - Holds the center of a USB cable in a position, it has ridges similar to a zip tie that can be used to adjust an axis.

• umh (USB Modular Holder)

• cbc (Corner Board Clip) - A clip that connects to bh that holds the corner of boards

• sbc (Side Board Clip) - A clip that connects to bh that holds the side of boards

• ube (USB Bunny Ears) - The spring mechanism to push the usb cable up

• uc (USB Cap) - The usb specific cap that clips in over top of the usb casing

Requirements

Software version used to model this:

freecad-0.21.1

Slicer for the 3D printing:

prusaslicer-2.7.1

Panel Mount USB connector

Manufacturer Product Number: 4055
Manufacturer: Adafruit Industries LLC
url: https://www.digikey.de/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/4055/10107220

USB Hub (has power control with uhubctl)

Manufacturer Product Number: HU9003V1EBL
Manufacturer: Amazon Basics
url: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Amazon-Basics-Ports-Power-Adapter/dp/B076YKYHCB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WG8Y976FZ4DN&keywords=HU9003V1EBL&qid=1695201660&sprefix=hu9003v1ebl%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1

Flashy Pictures

20 connected with 5 mcs offset

Different form factor boards

Empty mc

All the different pieces:

Roadmap

• Create a "service" where some basic parameters are entered and out pops an stl for those given parameters.
• Automate releases to provide all the stl files in a reproducible way.
• Add a place to label the mc for location
• Add an open PCB
  • 4x USB hub
  • Bussed power
  • Power control
  • Indicator LEDs
  • Bussed communications