Scratch: [Complete]PolymorphiX (Prototype) - (CattleRustler + Syrillian + SamFreese) - Overclock.net

CattleRustler · 08-16-09

PolymorphiX - case design and concept by CattleRustler - summer 2009

I am proud to announce another OCN exclusive project called PolymorphiX. I am even more proud to announce that it is a 3-way collaboration effort between myself, master Syrillian, and our good friend mr. SamFreese

PolymorphiX is based on a simple concept: a case that instantly and toolessly converts to a tech bench configuration. I have been building computers for many years, and one of the biggest problems that was always present, regardless of the year, or where technology stood at that point, was whenever I needed to do anything inside my case, I found my self having to rearragnge my desk, turn the case on its side, do whatever needed doing, then put everything back where it was - and god forbid you buttoned it all up to find that something wasnt right

This point was driven home once more recently for me when my brand new gtx285 suddenly crapped out and I had to swap it out back to the 280 right in the middle of a gaming session. It was at that point that I built my tech bench, which has proven to be a godsend in that respect (easy fixes/swaps etc) but then I thought, what if there was a way to have all of the benefits of a normal upright case (looks, space constraints etc) but have it easy convert to a workable configuration without having to rearrange the entire desk? This question spawned the design images you see below. I will explain as we go

at first glance its a basic base frame with an upright armature for the mobo...

but at second glance things suddenly go into the abnormal, just the way I like it

the "case" portion is basically an acrylic shell, like an acrylic case would be but missing a bottom and a back

(Ill explain the images after the last one)

ok, now that youve seen the pics, let me explain - I'll try and be brief

Basically the design is a steel base frame (that I will build), which mounts a custom machined upright armature (that sam will machine). The core of the design is the slotted rails in the upright, which works with the design of the mobo plate, which allows the plate assembly to swing out as if hinged, but at the same time the "hinge" portion can slide down in the slotted rails, converting the mobo to a horizontal config instantly. There will be "legs" of some sort (final design still pending) that will stand the mobo plate in the position you see in the pics. On the right side of the case (in the small cut out area pic'd above) there will be a 12v quick disconnect (basically a molex to terminal block) which once disconnected frees the shell from the remainder of the pc. The acrylic shell (built by Syrillian) easily just lifts off the base frame, allowing you to quickly work inside of your "case" without any silly business. Switches will be part of the base frame and not the outter shell. The outter shell will have fans attached to it as you see in the mock up pics, but like I mentioned, they terminate at the terminal block which can disconnect/reconnect from the outside of the case.

this design basically allows the upright pc to become a tech bench, within little more than its own original footprint, quickly and without tools. Sam, Syrillian, and myself are making one iteration of this case as a prototype and proof of concept. If it proves easy and quick to make these, at as low cost as possible, we may actually market these units to the enthusiast community

but that remains top be seen.

well, thats it for now. I am hoping the build work commences soon.

this is a work in progress and the design is subject to change and refinements as we go.

As always, however, thanks for watching

(The posting of this thread serves as basic copyright, and I have patent lawyer in my family that owes me a favor, so consider this as notice of "patent pending")

* This Worklog post was generated using WorklogCreator - Version: 1.0.1.6
* Free Download: http://www.mod2software.com/worklogc...logcreator.zip

CattleRustler · 08-16-09

PolymorphiX - prototype by CattleRustler, SamFreese, and Syrillian - Summer 2009

PolymorphiX - day 01a - rebegin before you begin
PolymorphiX - day 02 - base frame welds 01
PolymorphiX - day 03 - base frame welds 02
PolymorphiX - day 04 - switch plate work
PolymorphiX - Syrillian - acrylic update 01
PolymorphiX - Syrillian - acrylic update 02
PolymorphiX - day 05 - prep for new switch mounts
PolymorphiX - day 06 - tuning fork base unvieling
PolymorphiX - day 07 - lets go vertical
PolymorphiX - Syrillian - acrylic update 03
PolymorphiX - day 08 - wheee
PolymorphiX - day 09 - tuning fork 01
PolymorphiX - day 10 - tuning fork 02
PolymorphiX - day 11 - mobo arm 01
PolymorphiX - day 12 - mobo arm 02
PolymorphiX - day 13 - mobo arm 03
PolymorphiX - day 14 - mobo plate and feet
PolymorphiX - day 15 - alternate hang
PolymorphiX - day 16 - fiberglass body filler 01
PolymorphiX - day 17 - frame prime
PolymorphiX - day 18 - feet, leg hinges, acrylic flame bending tests
PolymorphiX - day 19 - mobo plate legs, hinge pin, prime
PolymorphiX - day 20 - shell bonding touch-ups
PolymorphiX - day 21 - frame paint
PolymorphiX - day 22 - final assembly 01
PolymorphiX - day 23 - metal cutting revisited
PolymorphiX - day 24 - final assembly 02
PolymorphiX - day 25 - metal, paint, epoxy
PolymorphiX - day 26 - final assembly 03
PolymorphiX - day 27 - GTX 285 install (prototype usage/testing 01)
PolymorphiX - day 28 - prep for CM Gemini II s

AMG · 08-16-09

Wow, this is going to be so amazing. Subbed

CattleRustler · 08-16-09

thanks mate

sikone · 08-16-09

wow i cant wait for this it is going to be freaking awesome

CattleRustler · 08-16-09

thanks sikone - love the screen name btw

lol "sick one", they used to call me that

kurt1288 · 08-16-09

Looks really cool. I'm gonna say (since I just finished playing it) that the models reminded me of Mirror's Edge.

oliverw92 · 08-16-09

Awesome idea! Manufacturers always say their case is 'tooless'. But they really aren't! I'm loving the design.

I was wondering what you are going to do about cables. Surely there will be cable management issues if the motherboard has to lie in 2 positions?

CattleRustler · 08-16-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt1288

Looks really cool. I'm gonna say (since I just finished playing it) that the models reminded me of Mirror's Edge.

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliverw92

Awesome idea! Manufacturers always say their case is 'tooless'. But they really aren't! I'm loving the design.

I was wondering what you are going to do about cables. Surely there will be cable management issues if the motherboard has to lie in 2 positions?

thanks Oli. since the fans connect to a terminal block, they dont need to go to the mobo. As for the hdd data cables, as long as they are of the longer kind it shouldnt be a problem. same goes for the psu atx 24 pin braid, its furthest point is when the mobo is vertical like a regular case. When its horizontal and down, its closer to the psu, than when its vertical, so I am hoping all will be well. I guess thats what "prototypes" are for - to work out the bugs

Webrider · 08-16-09

WOW.... Great idea and great job on applying it

Cant w8 to see how it goes!

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Scratch: [Complete]PolymorphiX (Prototype) - (CattleRustler + Syrillian + SamFreese)

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