DESIGN NAME: The Vinci Expert
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Protocol analyzer & converter
INSPIRATION: The Vinci Expert is the next generation of it's predecessor The Vinci so it supposed to retain the main inspiration for the industrial design - illustration "Vitruvian Man" by Leonardo da Vinci. The positioning of each component, button and LED is calculated according to the golden section ratio and Fibonacci sequence in order not only to visually prolong the lines of the drawn figure and to make appearing of the tool aesthetic, but also to create the whole product extremely comfortable to use.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Vinci Expert helps to monitor what is being transmitted over RS232, RS485, RS422 and over fiber optical cable in order to make communication between devices. Device is especially helpful in product development, testing and commissioning stages. It supports Modbus, DNP, IEC 60870-5-xxx and other serial protocols. It is a powerful tool, which allows to change serial interface from RS232 to RS485/RS422 or to the Fiber optic. Any other combinations are supported as well.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The Vinci Expert can be used in two different modes: Isolated and Non-Isolated. An Isolated mode allows user to virtually split device into two, and then use each side separately. This mode is useful when user communicates with devices separately and simultaneously. Non-isolated mode crosses A and B side communication. When user puts data into side A, The Vinci Expert will transmit data from side B and in reverse. This mode is useful when user wants to interfere in communication line.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project has started in January of 2015 in Vilnius, fully designed in April 2015. Afterwards the case of the tool has been manufactured and electronics produced in small amount for hardware and software testing. Small quantity production was prepared by the end of the same year and The Vinci Expert tool has been released on sale in the beginning of 2016.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Lightweight anodized 6-series aluminium alloy body ensures the best resistance in harsh engineering environments and precisely developed sequence of turning rings make the surface of the tool scratch-proof. Simply unique user experience is created with neodymium magnets that let The Vinci Expert to stick on any steel surface. The device is the best choice for application requiring the highest versatility of physical serial communication interfaces that simplifies complexity in the most efficient way.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Height: 91 mm
Width: 106 mm
Depth: 195 mm
TAGS: Converter, Interface, Analyser, Vitruvian, Fibonacci, Optic, Tool, Vinci, Professional, Engineer,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: A user-centered design approach was the main leading force in creation process of the new The Vinci version. The main demand form real users (professional engineers) and biggest challenge at the same time was the process of holding the product and connecting various wires, plugs - so it should be done in vertical position without holding The Vinci itself in the hand. This issue was solved by magnetic attachment to the metal surfaces. Ergonomics of the form were revised as well and the thickness of the product is extremely reduced for comfortable operation. Connectors and plugs were reinforced to ensure durability of the product. Holistic design thinking was used in every stage of the product creation and manufacturing - usage case scenarios, sustainability, software, user guidance and manuals, smart manufacturing, strength of the product, durability, packaging, logistics, life cycle and recycling.
CHALLENGE: The most challenging design task was to manufacture a lightweight product design with an extremely thin and at the same time especially strong 6-series aluminium alloy surface to let The Vinci Expert to stick on the metal surfaces while product is being used. The weight of the product has to be reduced to the minimum. Magnetic fields needed to be precisely calculated and tested before production in order to define the suitable distance between neodymium magnets and not to make them interfere among each other. A special positioning of them also let device to stick not only on the metal surfaces but also on the metal pipes when product is rotated 90 degrees. Product is designed with less carbon footprint comparing to previous version due to optimising the shape and interconnection of the product to reduce waste of material.
ADDED DATE: 2016-06-29 15:49:57
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Denis Orlenok
IMAGE CREDITS: Photos and post-production is made by Denis Orlenok.
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