What We Delivered
Create a real-time location sensor with exceptional function and tough design from the robust exterior down to the fine internal detail. Tracking assets and people in harsh industrial environments, extreme precision would be essential, along with industrial-level ingress protection and hassle-free mounting. Operating in a range from -40 to +85°C the sensor design needed to deliver uninterrupted accurate location data come rain or shine, no matter where people, products or processes take you.
Result
Our partnership with class-leader Ubisense has led to the creation of the DIMENSION4™ family of real-time location trackers, ranging from integration-ready modules to rugged, industrial tags, which are already used by half of the major car manufacturers, including BMW Mini. Managing all stages of the product design process, we progressed initial concept sketches into detailed CAD plans and multiple prototypes. Throughout production we liaised with stakeholders across the project to ensure delivery of this world-leading product on time and within budget.
“The requirements for an attractive looking and robust product even goes down to the inside of the unit. The unit is aesthetically pleasing but maintains its core functionality that fits into a wide variety of deployments. If customers look inside they are usually very impressed, every fine detail has been planned meticulously.”
Dr Paul WebsterFounder and Director of Hardware, Ubisense
Ubisense D4 Real time location
Robust, reliable and precise industrial product design
Key to our design of the award-winning DIMENSION4™ Sensor is simple, flexible, scalable installation. Right from the initial concept designs the sensor needed to integrate a range of ingress protection levels, from the IP30-rated sensor for normal indoor operation up to the IP69K-rated variant to withstand even the harshest outdoor deployments, while advanced on-board receivers allow precise, real-time tracking even in cluttered environments.
Great design at every level
Built around a moulded sub-assembly for the electronics, we developed the sensor with a modular construction, offering a customisable exterior that is rugged yet smart. Our product design innovation extends to the sensor mounting bracket, which can be adjusted single-handedly and without tools for safe maintenance in challenging conditions and at height.
D4 IP30
The IP30 rated sensor is intended for normal indoor operation where a standard level of protection against water and dust is required.
D4 IP54
The IP54 rated sensor is intended for challenging indoor environments. It has a cover on the rear of the sensor incorporating two brushes to prevent water splashes and dust from entering the sensor housing via the cable entry points.
D4 IP69K
The IP69K rated sensor has been designed for extreme outdoor operation in harsh industrial environments requiring protection not only against water and dust but also high winds, heat and cold. The sensor includes a rear cover with IP-rated push-pull connectors for extra protection against extreme elements.
Sensor Bracket
Custom designed bracket which is both rugged and robust, often mounted in harsh conditions and at considerable height any adjustments are accomplished single-handed without the need for tools.
Ingress Protection
The challenge right from the start was to integrally design three sensor variants : IP30, IP54 and IP69K. Suitable for a variety of both indoor and outdoor scenarios and engineered to operate in both normal and extremely harsh industrial environments.
Optimum Accuracy
Made from glass-reinforced nylon the sensor bracket is designed to withstand vibration and accidental knocks. Roll, Pitch and Yaw control are built in while a spirit level implements optimum accuracy.