[Open Source] AiPi-Eyes-R2 Vertical Desktop Case Design

[Open Source] AiPi-Eyes-R2 Vertical Desktop Case Design

1. Interfaces & Usage Instructions

Interfaces

Once you insert the R2 board, there are only three main interactive components accessible from the outside:

0. The screen & touch interface

1. Type-C power supply (left side)

2. Programming interface (right side)

Usage Notes

• The Type-C port is located on the front-left and is deeply recessed into the case for secure access. This allows direct use of the board’s original Type-C female port. In testing, most standard Type-C cables fit without issue.
• The programming interface requires some minor soldering to reposition the headers, allowing the use of a side-mounted expansion board. Instructions are provided below.
• The expansion board brings out IO2 and EN, with buttons to easily enter programming mode. The front button triggers EN, while the back button triggers IO2.
• On the right side, 3V3, RX, TX, and GND are routed via pin headers. With this setup, you can enter flashing mode with just one hand.
• If you don’t need to flash the board (e.g. using OTA or no firmware updates), you can remove the programming interface cutout from the design files.

2. Design Process

Getting the PCB and Screen Models

• The R2’s PCB is open source, so you can directly export the STEP file from Lceda.
• The screen model was a bit trickier — only the datasheet was available, so I modeled it manually.

A key detail: I designed the model to match the ribbon cable's bend based on the datasheet and physical measurements, ensuring no interference and proper length alignment.

I also included the small IR window on the screen for optional light sensing in the future.

Screen + PCB Assembly Model

Here’s the final assembled model with the screen and PCB.

Side-Mounted Programming Board – Hardware & Assembly

Initially, I wanted to bring out the 4 serial lines for flashing, but then realized the original flash button isn’t accessible. Since I couldn’t find a good solution in existing forums, I designed a small expansion board that includes the flash button.

Based on the R2 schematic, I created a simple expansion board layout.

PCB Model – Front and Back

• R1: 0402 footprint (easy to solder with a blob of solder)
• R2: 0603 10K resistor
• K1, K2: Metal buttons, 5.2 × 5.2 mm, height 3.8 mm (not critical)
• CN1, CN2: Just solder a 2×4P female header along the edge
• CN3: A 1×4P male header

The model was imported into SolidWorks (SW) for assembly. Below is the positional relationship between the expansion board and R2 PCB (headers hidden):

Case Design

This case was designed for free printing via LCSC, so the entire structure is a single-piece design.

• Screen is angled at 25° to the horizontal
• All visible faces (except bottom) have rounded corners
• Mounting holes include bottom chamfers for reinforcement and top chamfers for easier alignment

Complete Assembly (Other parts shown as transparent):

Type-C Port Side

All entry points are chamfered for smoother alignment.

PCB Mounting

The PCB is secured with three screws, aligning with the internal structure and external ports.

3. Assembly Guide & BOM

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Preprocessing Steps

3D Printed Parts

1. SandingSince LCSC used the front face as the print base, it turned out a bit rough. You’ll need to sand it (especially the outer surfaces and the screen mount area).

Tip: If you have your own printer, print with the right-side (programming interface side) down for better surface finish and easier support removal.

2. Tapping Screw HolesEven though the screw holes are chamfered, it's best to pre-thread them a bit using an M2 screw (about 1mm deep) to make final assembly easier.

R2 PCB Preparation

1. Remove the two upright headers

2. Modify the programming header:

• You can either use a horizontal dual-row header from Taobao
• Or go DIY: solder a bent pin from the removed header to bridge the gap between the lower and upper pins (as I did — takes about 15 minutes)

If using a bent dual-row header, make sure to align the plastic bottom edge with the PCB bottom.

Assembly Instructions

1. Insert the PCB – Tilt it up slightly on the left and slide it in from the right.

2. Attach the screen and ribbon cable, apply double-sided tape to secure.

3. Be careful not to pinch the ribbon cable when tightening screws. Gently hold everything in position like this:

4. Tighten the screws and press the screen into place – done!

Make sure you insert the board the right way! Reversing it could damage the R2.

Header Options

• You can use a standard 2×4P header, or
• Cut one from a long header strip, but be sure to sand the cut edge or it won’t fit smoothly into the side cutout.