# /mechanical/enclosure

Housing and enclosure designs for the complete system.

## Purpose
This directory contains enclosure and housing designs that protect and contain the electronic and mechanical components. Enclosures may include multiple housings, covers, and panels depending on system complexity.

## Enclosure Types
Organize by enclosure function and hierarchy:

```
enclosure/
├── main-housing/               # Primary system enclosure
│   ├── base-housing.sldprt
│   ├── top-cover.sldprt
│   ├── gaskets-seals.sldprt
│   └── housing-assembly.sldasm
├── sub-enclosures/             # Secondary or modular housings
│   ├── sensor-module-housing/
│   ├── power-supply-housing/
│   ├── interface-module-housing/
│   └── expansion-module-housing/
└── covers-panels/              # Removable access components
    ├── access-panels/
    ├── connector-panels/
    ├── display-bezels/
    └── ventilation-grilles/
```

## Design Considerations

### Environmental Protection
- **IP Rating**: Define ingress protection requirements
- **Sealing**: Gaskets, O-rings, and weatherproofing
- **Drainage**: Water management and condensation control
- **Ventilation**: Airflow and thermal management

### Mechanical Requirements
- **Structural Integrity**: Load bearing and impact resistance
- **Mounting**: Wall mount, panel mount, or free-standing
- **Access**: Service panels and component accessibility
- **Cable Management**: Entry points and strain relief

### Manufacturing Considerations
- **Material Selection**: Plastic, metal, composite materials
- **Manufacturing Process**: Injection molding, machining, sheet metal
- **Tolerances**: Fit and finish requirements
- **Surface Treatment**: Painting, anodizing, texturing

### Electrical Integration
- **EMI/RFI Shielding**: Electromagnetic compatibility
- **Grounding**: Electrical safety and noise reduction
- **Cable Entry**: Glands, connectors, and feedthroughs
- **Heat Dissipation**: Thermal interface to internal components

## File Organization

### Main Housing Files
- **Base/Bottom**: Primary structural component
- **Cover/Top**: Removable or hinged access
- **Sides/Walls**: Structural walls and mounting surfaces
- **Internal Structure**: Mounting posts, ribs, and supports

### Sub-Enclosure Files
- **Modular Housings**: Self-contained sub-assemblies
- **Protective Covers**: Component-specific protection
- **Interface Panels**: User interaction surfaces
- **Mounting Brackets**: Attachment to main housing

### Hardware and Fasteners
- **Screws and Bolts**: Fastening hardware specifications
- **Hinges and Latches**: Access mechanism components
- **Gaskets and Seals**: Environmental protection components
- **Inserts and Threads**: Threaded fastening points

## Material Specifications
Document material requirements for each component:
- **Mechanical Properties**: Strength, flexibility, durability
- **Environmental Resistance**: UV, chemical, temperature
- **Electrical Properties**: Conductivity, dielectric strength
- **Regulatory Compliance**: UL, CE, RoHS requirements

## Assembly Instructions
- **Assembly Sequence**: Order of component installation
- **Torque Specifications**: Fastener tightening requirements
- **Sealing Procedures**: Gasket installation and verification
- **Quality Checks**: Dimensional and functional verification

## Testing and Validation
- **Environmental Testing**: Temperature, humidity, vibration
- **Ingress Protection**: Water and dust resistance verification
- **EMC Testing**: Electromagnetic compatibility validation
- **Mechanical Testing**: Drop, impact, and load testing
