Concept development, tablet mechanical interface, electronics integration, and design for manufacture in ~ 4 months
Client – Portsmith – a designer and manufacturer of enterprise IT products
Expertise Applied
- Product Design & Development
- Electronics Design
- Mechanical Design
- Industrial Product Development
- Design For Manufacture
- Enclosure Design
- User Interface Design
- Ruggedization
- Prototype Development
- Manufacturing Handoff
Problem
Portsmith Technologies hired SGW Designworks to develop the portDox system for docking Samsung Tablets.
Solution
SGW Designworks worked closely with Portsmith to develop this docking system for Samsung TabActive 1, 2, and 3 tablets. The primary project focus was on concept development, tablet mechanical interface, electronics integration, and design for manufacture.
Results / Outcomes
- Multiple prototype and testing cycles led to the optimal design and feature set
- Successful launch and production ramp-up
Overview
Portsmith is well established as the source for enterprise docks and chargers for ruggedized tablets. As the Samsung TabActive product line launched, Portsmith saw an opportunity to develop a 5-slot charging dock for the innovative tablet. The effort would need to include development of the PCBA to control charging as well as ultra-durable mechanicals. The look and feel would also need to be compatible with the enterprise market in which the product would be sold.
SGW Designworks developed a complete product design that achieved the functional goals. While the PCBA design was new, it leveraged specific IP related to charging that Portsmith held.
In the late stages of development, SGW Designworks collaborated directly with Portsmith’s manufacturing group through the DFM and tooling effort.
After launch, Samsung took notice of the product, and spearheaded a marketing effort that promoted the Portsmith dock. Thousands of units were sold and are still in service today.
| Hardware Developed | Technologies Leveraged |
|---|---|
| Injection molded enclosure | Solidworks 3D CAD |
| PCBA | SLA 3D Printing |
| Pogo-pin interface | Altium Designer |