Rx1 Cuntrollore IOT

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Aesthetics set Rx1 apart from other products in its category, but are appropriate for the context.
Embodies brand building design features that can be reused for other products (info/brand face, vents, & rounded form).
Atrium cooling strategy is optimized for cooling the processor in wall mounted orientation.
Innovative led mount strategy eliminates light pipes. Graphics allowing clusters of remote led.
Ease of use via graphics indicating what circuit has issues and easy din mount install.

Dimensions & Packaging

Overall size is 8.0 x 4.5 x 1.75in (203.5 x 114.8 x 44.5 mm). It is made from Flame resistant plastic and is optimized for UL safety. Rx1 controls two doors and two access devices, plus connectivity on Ethernet RJ45. System status is indicated by led for each plug and a status indicator relaying information. There is a hidden reset button and a tamper sensor indicating unauthorized access. Various DIN rail mounts can used and have been specified/ configured for ease of accessibility. Wiring is easy to using phoenix plugs. Powered by Rasberrry Pi cm4, it replaces the Hirsch Mx1.

Tags

Security, Controller, DIN, IOT, Badge Access, Door Locks, Access Control

Production Technology

The product is made up of custom built electronics and plastics, as well as off the shelf parts. The electronics schematic was started when ID started, consisting of a Raspberry Pi compute pcb and an I-O pcb. As we developed device architecture concepts and each was evaluated for easy of use, aesthetics, and performance. When a form was chosen, the design was developed from the outside-in, ie. We started with best form in respect to setup, mounting, servicing, and information architecture. The pcb layout architecture was driven by this, and is an example of design led engineering.

Design Challenge

The hardest part was to create appropriate design for the context. DIN rail spaces in electronics closets are not visible and hide unsightly devices. Design styling that is dramatic or overdesigned would waste the mfg costs as it would not be seen and may turn customers away from company products. Perceived value of the product would be directly influenced by the design styling. It should appear a high quality performance product, based on solid engineering and not flash. Design challenges were cooling, access to DIN mounts, and fitting text on the top surface.

Research

Primary and secondary research were employed for the Rx1 design. Two research objective were to create a good user experience build an appropriate design language for the category. Usability research came from the client, installers, and forums. Valuable info such as the reliance on flat head screwdriver installation and importance of diagnostic led. For styling, date came from competitive audits, style reference, and company brand. Learnings were that the vent area could be a brand feature, and the distinctive red color is important to represent.

Inspiration

Inspiration was tasteful design that stands out from competition, but is not overdesigned nor compromises ease of use - Rx1 is a highly functional product and lives in device closets among other utilitarian products.
Brief was to not "design a box" but have appropriate style for context. Also to build brand design language including prominently displayed brand graphics such as red circle motif.
Inspiring products were consumer routers and external hard drives, particularly with vents.

Project Duration

The project was started in November 2020, in both Bristol, UK and Santa Ana, California. The project was finished in March 2021, is in manufacturing now, and will be released in Spring 2021.

Operation Flow

Rx1 is a security controller linking access readers and locks, and making decisions on allowing access. The device is mounted in an electronics closet, only opened if there is an issue. During install, Rx1 is attached to a Din rail, among other devices. Inputs and outputs are wired using phoenix plugs (multiple wires fixed with screws, then plugged in). Printed text indicates what wire goes to which plug pin. During diagnostic, LEDs indicate which plug has a fault. To remove, the DIN mount is disengaged from the wall with either a flat head screwdriver or via depressing a spring release.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Industrial Designer Travis Baldwin, Overhead, 2021
Image #2 : Industrial Designer Travis Baldwin, See Through, 2021
Image #3 : Industrial Designer Travis Baldwin, In Context, 2021
Image #4 : Industrial Designer Travis Baldwin, Details, 2021
Image #5 : Industrial Designer Travis Baldwin, Exploded, 2021