In May 2012, Dell acquired Wyse, a company that specializes in thin client computing. Wyse wished to create a new, low powered thin client computer. This new design is
fan-less and comes in two form factors. A micro form factor and a wider version that can accommodate legacy ports and an additional graphics card. At Dell, I was the lead designer for the Wyse 5070 and its accessories.
fan-less and comes in two form factors. A micro form factor and a wider version that can accommodate legacy ports and an additional graphics card. At Dell, I was the lead designer for the Wyse 5070 and its accessories.
We explored ideas through prototypes The earlier prototypes featured a split level design. A change with the motherboard placement and cooling requirements led to a new design direction.
One of the more favored iterations of the Wyse thin client computer included a center mounted I/O, and a rotatable Dell badge thats seen on the OptiPlex Micro Form Factor
As the project progressed, a center mounted motherboard was seen to be too expensive.
This direction explored a left justified I/O, and a “two tiered” layered design.
This direction explored a left justified I/O, and a “two tiered” layered design.
The direction then evolved to a design that featured right justified ports and a centered power button and logo. The bezel grew in depth for a stronger, blockier appearance. With the new ventilation requirements, the thin client had to incorporate three sided ventilation. An elevated vertical stand was proposed.
The initial direction for the Wyse thin client computer featured a front bezel with more depth and mounting holes on the opposite side.
The Wyse team wanted to explore using the Slim chassis that would hook up to another module containing additional ports, optical drive or card reader.
In addition to the CPU design, we had to think about how this unit would mount behind a monitor. One solution was to fit the unit onto a specialized molded piece with standoffs.
We explored fitting the computer using the bottom mounted keyhole or the VESA on the side of the computer. The computer mounted with VESA holes was chosen for its cleaner appearance.
The P series mount has to accommodate a variety of different monitor stands. The manufacturer proposed an idea that hooks on topand then has a clip on bottom that secures the mount onto the neck of the stand.
We designed the PU mount around the mechanism the manufacturer proposed. A spring holds the plate up, keeping the wings closed in. The user will open the wings of the PU mount, and the wings will adjust to the appropriate width monitor stand.
Based off the basic ideas from the manufacturer’s proposal, we styled the P/U series mount to be more consistent with Dell’s design language.
The mount can expand and contract to a variety of different sized monitor stands. From 130mm for the widest stand to the narrowest stand at 69mm.
The P/U Series Mount attached to the U2718 monitor
The finalized design for the Wyse 5070 slim and wide chassis
The Wyse 5070 is a fan-less design, so three sided venting is needed to
cool the computer.
cool the computer.
With 3-sided ventilation, a special vertical stand is needed for proper cooling. Both Wyse 5070 slim and wide versions fit onto an elevated tripod stand by a keyhole fitting.
The Wyse 5070 is light enough to be wall mounted. The wall mount features a matching hole pattern that allows for ventilation. The power supply unit is housed in a detachable box for an integrated package.
The entry level fixed stand monitor features a special mount that can accommodate both versions of the Wyse 5070 and the power supply unit box.
Before production we made finalized prototypes, so that we can make sure that everything fits and works properly together.
