Laptop storage boxes

This is prototype of a better laptop storage solution for laptops in The Edge Fabrication Lab. The development of this was informed by a variety of design and operational objectives.

We wanted a storage solution that:

was aesthetically pleasing

could be integrated with existing Fab Lab furniture (ikea KALLAX/EXPEDIT bookshelves)

facilitated a self service approach to providing resources in the Fab Lab

Allowed us to have laptops on charge while in their storage unit (we waste alot of time setting up PSU/Chargers for short workshops that shouldn't require a charge because the machines don't go back on charge when they are put away)

Maximum tidiness (no cables hanging everywhere, hide as much as you can)

sturdy construction

Other considerations

This is not a unique problem and lots of people around the world have Ikea shelves.

Is this a design that could be rejigged for a larger shelf (considering the possiblity of creating our own similar version of Kallax that is big enough to take a standard Milk Crate.

Learnings from the Prototyping Process Thus far

there needs to be hand access holes to feed the cable and PSU into its space.

There needs to be a construction order - ie hint number one build from the middle out

There needs to be a mechanism/ tabs that hold the box in place as laptops are being slid in and out.

These tabs need to be removable so you can get the box out for maintenance

There needs to be a lot of head room for the PSU input plug to go into the laptop when on its shelf.

I really need to learn a proper cad application that has parametric, exploded and assemble view capabilities ;)

Design Files

below are the rough drawing and design files produced for this project