Nectar’s relationship with M-Audio provided an opportunity to develop the an efficient and eye-pleasing UI; a perfect compliment to an already excellent platform.

Desert temperatures combined with high solar loads create high heat which masks the infrared signal, and cold temperatures could fog optics.  Active cooling was not an option due to cost, power and size, so Nectar devised an enclosure with a passive thermal regulation system to address these issues.

Nectar employed FEA and CFD thermal simulation software tools to evaluate thermal inputs and outputs. These simulations enabled the team to rate and compare thermal management concepts, to find target values for air flows and heaters, and to evaluate temperature gradients and its effects on part deformation.

Vibrations and Harmonic Resonance studies

Nectar used finite element analysis (FEA) to minimize deflections and resonances early in the design process. The resulting stability allowed for wide degrees of motion for the heads to aim, allowing flexible mounting of units at different elevations and positions scattered around the urban landscape.

Environmental sealing

Nectar developed a weather tight sealing system. This system sealed against wind propelled dust and water, allowed easy access for service, allowed for high degrees of differential thermal expansion between components.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

The design facilitated the assembly process of the optical components. Bearing systems were specified which used low cost materials and tooling while providing low friction, zero play and generous tolerances

Nectar designed parts and assembly fixtures and methods simultaneously to assure the critical and most challenging assembly tasks were made as easy as possible, and minimized the number of fasteners and use of tools to assemble.

Field installation and service personnel were included during the design process to reduce shipping, logistics and installation labor costs

Prototype testing and validation

Design solutions that were reached via simulations were validated with working breadboards and mockups.

Functional testing was conducted both in the lab and in outdoor environments.

Part design and documentation

The design solutions were translated into a final production ready design using die cast, injection molding, and extrusion fabrication processes. Nectar specified materials that were compatible with the temperature, UV and moisture requirements.

Tolerance studies were performed and were included on the final part drawings along with all critical inspection dimensions.