3. Structural Considerations

In the previous chapters, we defined what a successful design is and then moved on to determining the placement of the objects that will be in the design. We’ll now take up the structural considerations of the design. Why consider the structural considerations at this juncture, and why not the thermal aspects, or the user interfaces? It’s probably only because I have a mechanical engineering background so I “naturally” first see how the design must be “structurally sound.” I feel we must build upon a “solid foundation,” so that the rest of the design can build upon that. The electronic enclosure (itself) is, of course, a structure that must be strong enough to work in the various environments that the customer (user) will be using the product in. So, let’s begin with a discussion of the main considerations of providing this “solid foundation.” This chapter will focus on: