| Notebook section: | Mechanical technical documents |
| Purpose: | Describe the case for your product in enough detail that an independent manufacturer can build and assemble you product. |
The mechanical specification provides a description of the complete mechanical system of your product. Your mechanical specification will include two sections: External and Internal.
 | You may produce drawings by hand or electronically. If you are experienced with CAD design tools (i.e. AutoCAD) you will find this a great way to produce the required drawings. |
| We are electrical and computer engineers, not mechanical engineers - you are not expected to provide major structural design or analysis. |
| Your projects are considered prototypes and do not have to be works of art. |
| Many parts of this document are similar to those in your interface document. However, the audience and purpose is very different - this document is intended to provide precise details used to manufacture your product, as opposed to a general description of how your product works. |
This section will describe your enclosure (package) in precise detail using dimensioned drawings. Your drawings must include all sides of your package (six sides for a rectangular box). You may use either an "exploded view" style or a three-dimensional style.
Details to include
| Measurements of all dimensions |
| Buttons, switches, knobs, connectors, displays, LEDs, etc. Include dimension lines with measurements to specify their locations. |
| Compartment access (i.e. battery access) with dimensions |
| Fastener locations with dimensions |
This section will show the major interior components of your system and how they fit together. You may use a three-dimensional model or multiple views (a top view and side view at a minimum). For complicated systems, you may need to produce multiple views that concentrate on one area or section at a time. You do not have to include dimensions on this drawing as it is primarily used to ensure that your devices will actually fit in your case.
Details to include
| PCB |
| Fastener locations |
| Connectors (internal or external) Don't forget to include both sides that mate together. |
| Any components/devices on the PCB that have critical placement requirements or protrude through the case (i.e. buttons, LEDs, displays) |
| Large components/devices on the PCB |
| Tall components/devices on the PCB |
| Batteries |
| Any components/devices attached to the case (i.e. buttons, connectors, displays) |
Kevin Bolding October 09, 2006