Initial Ideas - Design Specification

To transform initial ideas into a functional product, a clear design specification must be created. This outlines the key requirements, ensuring all necessary features and functionalities are defined. It serves as a blueprint for development, guiding component selection, system integration, and overall performance expectations. By refining these details early on, the design process becomes more structured, leading to a more efficient prototyping and testing phase while ensuring the final product meets all necessary standards.

Design and Manufacture of the First Prototype

With a clear design specification in place, we moved on to designing and manufacturing the first prototype. This initial version allowed us to test the feasibility of key aspects of the design specification. The PCB(Printed Circuit Board) was fabricated and assembled, followed by tests to verify voltage measurements, battery protection, and overall functionality. However, the prototype did not work as expected, revealing design flaws and technical challenges. Despite this setback, we analyzed the issues, identified key improvements, and took valuable lessons from the process. These insights guided us in refining the design for the next iteration, bringing us closer to a fully functional solution.

Design and Manufacture of the Second Prototype

Using the lessons learned from the first prototype, we redesigned and manufactured a second version. One key improvement was replacing the standard XT-60 connectors with level XT-60 connectors to prevent the exposed bottom from causing a short circuit if placed on a metal surface. After fabrication and assembly, the second prototype was tested, and some functionality worked as expected. However, through testing, we identified additional features that could enhance the PCB’s performance and usability. With these new ideas in mind, we began planning the next iteration to further refine and expand the design.

Design and Manufacture of the Third Prototype

For the third prototype, we incorporated additional functionality and addressed issues from the previous version. One key improvement was enhancing measurement accuracy, ensuring more precise voltage readings. We also refined the circuit design to improve reliability and efficiency. After manufacturing and assembling the updated PCB, we conducted thorough testing to verify the improvements. With each iteration, the design became more refined, bringing us closer to a fully functional and reliable final product. After conducting testing of the PCB, we made hardware changes to improve functionality and fix issues. The video above shows the PCB in action, displaying real time information of a lithium battery on a screen, just what we aimed for.

Design of the Fourth Prototype

The fourth prototype is currently in the manufacturing stage and includes several optimizations based on previous iterations. We refined the design by removing redundant components, making the PCB more compact, and reducing production costs. To improve usability, we added a pin reference table on the back of the PCB to help users with connections. Additionally, we included our logo, designed by Rewire Marketing, along with our website domain. Other key details, such as recommended wire gauges, PCB dimensions, and electrical specifications like maximum current outputs, were also printed on the board to provide users with essential information at a glance.

Rewire Marketing's Involvement

This project also involved Rewire Marketing, as branding is a key part of product development. Clients typically want their company logo on their products, so the first step was logo design. The chosen logo is simple and futuristic, aligning with the company’s vision of selling advanced electronic chips. After finalizing the logo, domain procurement and website design became the next focus, ensuring a strong online presence to complement the product. By integrating branding early in the process, Rewire Marketing helps create a cohesive identity that aligns with both the product and the company's long-term goals.