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Show off your skills and solve real design problems
AirPatrol is looking for a new exterior design for an upcoming product to complement their current line of split type A/C WiFi controllers.
You must include:
- STL version
- STEP or IGES version
You are encouraged to include:
- Explanation of your design and how it fits the brand
- DWG and SAT formats
- Native CAD file format
The winning design will be:
- Only external design of the controller
- Complementary to Airpatrol brand and product line
- Eye-catching
- White color
- Meeting all requirements
- Made of plastic
- Manufacturable
Design requirements:
- Controller unit has to have 2 hidden buttons (small holes), 4 LEDs, 2 Infra-red sensors, temperature and humidity sensors.
- Inside the controller there must be room for motherboard with micro-usb connector.
- Currently the motherboard size is about 76x76 mm for AirPatrol Nordic.
- It has to be possible to open the controller to insert or replace motherboard.
- We will not set dimension requirements and will follow the external design when developing the internal structures of the WiFi controller. Maximum dimensions:(H x L x W) 180 x 110 x 40 mm
- Two IR sensors are required for maximum coverage depending on the position AirPatrol is placed.
The competition is open to everyone. Multiple entries are acceptable. Team entries are welcome - prize will be transferred to team leader. Participants may only win one prize per Challenge.
Tag your entry with “CONTROLLERCASING” when uploading to GrabCAD. If you submit through the "Submit entry" button, this should be added automatically. Only entries with valid tag will participate. Only entries uploaded to GrabCAD through the "Submit entry" button on this Challenge page will be considered an entry. Private entries are not eligible.
By entering this competition, you
1. Warrant that the work is your original work.
2. To the best of your knowledge, it is not, and has not been in production or otherwise previously published or exhibited.
3. Neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent, utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trade mark, copyright or any other intellectual property right) of any other person.
______________________
If you think an entry may infringe on existing copyrighted materials, please email challenges@grabcad.com.
Applicants are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs. The applicant’s participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment.
The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person.
Only public entries will be considered. Any private submissions will be made public at the Challenge deadline.
We will release the finalists before the final announcement to give the Community an opportunity to "vote" for their favorites in the comments. The jury will take these into consideration when picking the final winner. This new addition is based on feedback from you!
Winning designs will be chosen based on the rules and requirements. EXTENDED from December 31: this Challenge ends on January 6, 2014 (11:59pm UTC). Winners will be announced by February 6, 2014.
Void where prohibited.
Cash prizes for TOP 5 places
$750 cash + GrabCAD shirt and bottle
$500 cash + GrabCAD shirt and bottle
$350 cash + GrabCAD shirt and bottle
$250 cash + GrabCAD shirt and bottle
$150 cash + GrabCAD shirt and bottle
The jury will be comprised of AirPatrol and GrabCAD experts.
AirPatrol is the best device to control your air conditioner (A/C) or heat pump with mobile phone. It is a user-friendly and innovative controller that lets you effortlessly change the mode, room temperature and fan speed of your A/C or heat pump. AirPatrol has grown to be the biggest mobile control producer in Northern and Central Europe. AirPatrol makes life comfortable and helps to save money.
André Altjõe
Daniel Dordett
Sara SigelHave an awesome idea for this competition? Want to win cool prizes? Sign-up now to upload your entries.
If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as confirmation@grabcad.com.
79 comments
Paul Tripon over 11 years ago
Nice challenge
Joe Pollock over 11 years ago
I have a question regarding the IR sensors. Page 5 of the Nordic User Manual states "The controller has 3 LED indicators.... It has also 2 infrared LEDs that transmit your commands to the heat pump." As far as the competition requirements, would the 4 LEDs include both IR sensors along with the power indicator and network connection indicator?
Also is the function of one of the IR sensors to receive data from the heat pump while the second is used to send commands to the heat pump?
Thanks!
vijay singh over 11 years ago
what is the thickness of plastic wall ?
Dimitar over 11 years ago
A few questions:
- What are the IR sensor dimensions for the holes?
-Are the LEDs and buttons predefined? If they are what are their dimensions?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Joe Pollock: our new controller will have 4 LEDs and 2 IR sensors. The 4 LEDs do not include IR sensors. Both IRs send commands to heat pump.
@ Dimitar: - we do not have specific dimensions for IR sensors, in fact they may even be hidden IRs.
- The LEDs and buttons are not predefined. At the moment the buttons can be pressed with paperclip.
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@ vijay singh: the thickness of plastic wall is 1,2 mm
Hevi over 11 years ago
@André Altjõe - so, we should design only the external case? Or maybe we should design the plate where external case and motherboard is mounted? Whole case?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: This challenge is for external design only, of course you are welcome to include the whole case including the plate where motherboard is mounted.
Joe Pollock over 11 years ago
@Andre: Ok thanks for the clarification. I'm assuming one LED indicates power status and the 2nd LED indicates network connection. Could you please list the functions of the 3rd and 4th LEDs? Thanks again.
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Joe Pollock: LED functions: Power, WiFi network status, Pairing status, IR transmission activity.
Robin G. over 11 years ago
Hi,
Would it perhaps be possible to communicate the font of the logo of AirPatrol?
And is the motherboard already designed, if so, could this be shared so we could work around the motherboard?
Thanks in advance!
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
This comment was removed
Flaviano Crespi over 11 years ago
Hi,
one question please:
Does not list any power input,
how the ION battery is recharged? Via USB?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Falviano Crespi: the controller will get power via micro-usb. Controller is always plugged in, battery is not used.
Flaviano Crespi over 11 years ago
Thanks Andrè,
in PDf documentation available below the download link is described a backup battery 36h,
confirming that must be provided? can you give us the dimensions?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Flaviano Crespi: backup battery is not used in this case.
Hevi over 11 years ago
Yyyy... theres some kind off issue with upload option... Sara - HELP :D
Hevi over 11 years ago
Where should IR LEDs be loacted?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
This comment was removed
Sudeep Kumar over 11 years ago
what will be the most preffered manufacturing process..........and the material...?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Sudeep Kumar: as it is stated in requirements: - Made of plastic.
Hevi over 11 years ago
Should be the USB port accessible in whole time? Could it be hidden in case? Tell me something about this USB port. And there should be only 2 IR's? Can we add another ones?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: the USB port is used for power cable which is always plugged in.
2 IR sensors should be enough, no need to add more. IR sensors may be hidden as well.
Hevi over 11 years ago
This is what I like - fast response :) It was always problem here - but not this time :)
Hevi over 11 years ago
Do you want to have hidden buttons or maybe it's not important for you?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: hidden buttons are not important, just an option.
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: Just to clarify, we have asked for hidden buttons because the buttons are rarely used (for testing and resetting only) and it reduces manufacturing costs.
Hevi over 11 years ago
@André Altjõe: OK :]
Jonathan Brazeau over 11 years ago
Air patrol, can you give us an idea of the budget constraints you are working with? Can you work with multiple plastics? Clear acrylics etc. or just looking for simple two piece snap fit?
Thank you.
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Jonathan: we would like to keep it simple with not too many extra parts for external casing.
Danny Tasmakis over 11 years ago
Hi André, how is the unit mounted to the wall?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Danny Tasmakis: Hi, Currently we have a small hole for hanging and you can always use double-sided tape.
Danny Tasmakis over 11 years ago
Thanks!
Hevi over 11 years ago
@Andre - do you want to have access to usb port form outside without dissasembling the whole case or maybe we can hide the usb port inside case? Do we need provide the place where is SIM card located?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: USB port should be accessible from outside. SIM card is not used for this case.
Sourbh over 11 years ago
Can you able to provide the sensor spec. I mean what's the size of hole or profile we left for sensors??
and also I placed the Usb port on the left hand side, is it ok or any specific Idea for Usb port??
Already Hevi requested for sim card location..!!
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Sourbh: We do not have exact size for sensors, at the moment the hole is 5mm on AirPatrol Nordic.
You may choose where to put the USB port, just keep in mind that the controller may be put on the wall or on table.
SIM card is not used for AirPatrol WiFi.
Sourbh over 11 years ago
Thanks @André Altjõe.
Jonathan Brazeau over 11 years ago
thank you.
Hevi over 11 years ago
@Andre - do you accept any other color accents in our designs? or just white plastic?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: we prefer white plastic but you may also submit other colours.
Hevi over 11 years ago
But I think only about some part of the case in other color, not whole case...
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Hevi: Adding different colours probably makes manufactuding more complex.
Hevi over 11 years ago
But it makes much more eye-catching :)
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Ivo Alberti: Hi, 145mm diameter seems a bit too big, 110mm diameter should work.
Ruan Pretorius over 11 years ago
@Andre: Are we allowed to make a clip on cover in different colors? The casing is white but the cover will be blue, red or the color of your room? -My Model AirPatrol Superellipse Concept 2-
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Ruan Pretorius: You are allowed to make clip on covers.
Robert Quantrill over 11 years ago
What is the depth of the motherboards you use currently? Thanks in advance
Rob
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Robert Quantrill: It is about 10mm.
Ivo Alberti over 11 years ago
How ? André Altjõe , has already risen? It was 8 mm?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
It is the thickness of motherboard. It is just an approximate value as we do not have a motherboard for AirPatrol WiFi. Just as a reminder - we are looking for external design of the controller.
Jonathan Brazeau over 11 years ago
AirPatrol. Can you give us a little information about what you like and dislike with regards to design. There's a million ways to make a cover, just wondering if you have any specific preferences.....boxy, curvy, technical, less technical etc....
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Jonathan: It is rather difficult to say what the design should look like, that is why we created this challenge. Personally I would prefer the "clean look". It should look nice on a wall near the air conditioner as well as on a table/shelf. It is still a high-end, valuable product.
Jonathan Brazeau over 11 years ago
lol. I understand. Just was looking for a general direction. That helps though. Thanks André! )
Anuroop Raizada over 11 years ago
Is it suitable to use wood instead of plastic?
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Anuroop Raizada: This time we will use plastic only.
Pratik over 11 years ago
@André Altjõe Why do you require 2 IR sensors? Is is mandatory? or it can come down to 1 Nos.
André Altjõe over 11 years ago
@Pratik: IR beam is narrow, 2 IR sensors make it possible to place the controller either on table or on wall. Installing the IR sensors side-by-side pointing to the same direction is useless, they should be placed in a way to give maximum signal strength depending on controller's placement.
Pratik over 11 years ago
@André Altjõe Got it. Thanks for the information.
Sara Sigel over 11 years ago
@Stephan and @Sourbh Great discussion on tech and incorporating new and existing ideas into design. I'll let you follow-up offline in private messages to keep the chat here on topic. Also, please keep any reports out of public comments and send them via the "Flag" button on the model page or send to sara@grabcad.com.
Sara Sigel over 11 years ago
We've extended the deadline to Jan 6 11:59pm UTC. Happy CADing!
Thilina Nuwan Shantha about 11 years ago
Can you plz tell me the dimensions or model numbers of your sensors.
Thilina Nuwan Shantha about 11 years ago
Can you plz tell me the function of TWO IR sensors. Are they for send signals for different directions or both signals need to comunicate with the heat pump
André Altjõe about 11 years ago
@Thilina: 2 IR sensors have the same function, they both communicate with heat pump. 2 IR sensors are required to give maximum coverage depending on the position of controller. We do not have the exact size of IR sensors for the new controller.
Hevi about 11 years ago
how many hours for the deadline? :/ 1 day + ?
André Altjõe about 11 years ago
@hevi: the deadline is Jan 6 11:59pm UTC, currently a bit over 16 hours to go.
Hevi about 11 years ago
Thanks :)
celt about 11 years ago
Best of luck everyone!
Sara Sigel about 11 years ago
Finalists are now announced! For those new to the Challenge process, we release what we believe to be the top entries. They are listed in no particular order. Over the next week, as the jury refines their choices, we encourage everyone following to leave a comment with their favorite or letting us know if we left a great entry out of the mix. Don't think of this as a vote - we want to connect with you on these concepts and that means more than having you submit entries it also means getting your feedback, too.
http://grabcad.com/challenges/airpatrol-controller-casing-design-challenge/results
Jonathan Brazeau about 11 years ago
congratulations to all winners...
Jonathan Brazeau about 11 years ago
although I disagree overall with the outcome, out of top 5 my vote, in descending order:
PEEBLE
https://grabcad.com/library/controllercasing-
Airpatrol Controller-f
Airpatrol Controller Challenge ver.2
Duncan about 11 years ago
Congrats all.
I agree with Jonathan in terms of selection. My choice of finalist goes to CONTROLLERCASING
Armando Tavares about 11 years ago
Airpatrol just doesn't seem to have decided what they are chasing... Now we have a "out of the box" approach, and guess what, they "also like the extra LEDs." but they had missed this one before... heheh! Maybe now, they tried all models in a dark environment :P Just doesn´t seem to be right... and for the sake of all comments left here, it really doesn't!
Never the less, congrats to all, my winner was not on the finalists, however they added my favorite one now, my vote goes to:
Airpatrol controller casing by adrian.vallejo-1 for first place ;)
"This is a very interesting design, the blue line adds a futuristic touch. Overall it seems clean and simple.".
It seems? I would choose it is... it is a kind of a winner.
And Asymmetric AirPatrol Box by piotr.zaborowski-3 for second place.
Congrats to everyone, of course there is lots of great designs in this challenge, but we can't all win... sadly :P
Armando Tavares about 11 years ago
"Winners will be announced by February 6, 2014."
So? Where is our winner? I believe there are very excited people waiting for this... at least our finalists and me! Let's go AirPatrol, did we not fulfill our timeline? Yes we did ;)
Sara Sigel about 11 years ago
Winners are announced! Congratulations to the winners and finalists and thank you to everyone who participated. http://grabcad.com/challenges/airpatrol-controller-casing-design-challenge/results
Armando Tavares about 11 years ago
Congrats to our winners ;) Really, i feel a little happy for you! :D
Yves about 11 years ago
It seems that I am lucky one!
Thank you from this challenge AirPatrol and GrabCAD.
I salute all the participants and the quality of their entries adds more value to this prize.
Thank you also to the GrabCAD community for their feedback and support.
This year marks a professional turning for me since I leave the comfort of a large company to start as a freelance designer. Winning the AirPatrol challenge is very motivating and strengthens me in my choice. This is difficult to express but this means a lot for me today.
Again thank you,
Yves
Sara Sigel over 10 years ago
See how this Challenge affected the new AirPatrol product! Pretty cool to see a design make it into the real world from GrabCADrs' minds!
.
http://airpatrol.eu/shop/airpatrol-wifi/
Sara Sigel about 10 years ago
Here's our interview with AirPatrol so we could learn about the full process of idea to Challenge to product launch: http://blog.grabcad.com/blog/2015/02/18/170-design-ideas/. You all helped shape this product out on the market!!! So cool.
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