LXR Devlog #5 - Building the shape shifter!
Let's make it more functional.
Greetings, INNOvators!
The journey towards reimagining computing continues with a new design iteration.
After the Mammoth gave us a view on the technical feasibility & the Shark on what the product could look like, this time, we assist to the birth of the most versatile iteration yet, the shape shifter.
We're continuing with what we've learned so far.
This week, we’d like to explore a design that would have its own identity, while focusing on versatility and future proofing.
The most requested features:
Alternative layout
You’ve been plenty to express that you love the project but that you see the ergonomic layout learning curve as a bit too steep and therefore a deal breaker for many of you.
Support various SBCs
In our reference configuration we have chosen the Khadas Edge 2, while we think this is a balanced choice, it is just a reference. Many of you expressed that they would like a cheaper OR beefier alternative.
The Shape shifter design is a direct response to your requests.
Design
Then, we jumped once again onto Blender to shape it.
Printing the Shape shifter
And here we are:
Anatomy of the shape shifter
The shape shifter is a 3-part case, including the case that house the electronics, the plate for the keyboard keys, and the chassis that brings everything together the "ring".
The Plate
The plate allows for support of alternative keyboard layout, ortholinear or column stagger the choice is yours.
The plate also allows for further customisation like integration of a screen, air duct, touchpad… whatever you can think of that can sit flush would work.
In fact you can imagine yourself changing plate depending on your very on needs.
The Ring
The “Ring” chassis is the spine of LXR, keeping everything together. All other piece can easily attach to it. It also provides a distinctive look to LXR devices.
The Case
The case allows you to securely and easily mount your SBC and battery, it can be as thin or as thick as necessary allowing for a wide range of configuration.
Lessons Learned
There is no one size fits all: We want LXR to be future proof so everything is modular around the ring which acts as the spine of the product. You can change the bottom case to accommodate different SBC with different positioning for the I/O, you can change the plate for a different keyboard layout, you can also have a plate integrating a screen or a touchpad.
Optimisation opportunities:
Normalise this iteration to make it a platform
Material selection:
On the next iteration we’d like to start experimenting with higher quality materials
What's Next?
The path forward is now even clearer, we have now the conviction that we can make it sleek, yet modular..
Stay tuned for the next Devlog as we delve deeper into component selection and fine-tuning!
Until then, keep INNOvating!
Participants’ corner
This week, we’d like to ask your thoughts on the keyboard layout.
LXR is still designed to be versatile and customizable, so you can make it evolve on the go. But still, What type of keyboard should we choose for our reference configuration?
Don’t hesitate to share with us within the comments section!