The Robust Car Computer development was one of the most challenging projects our company has ever undertaken. This project was started before Linux miniature computers were available. The main goal was to create a car computer that could be installed in any car regardless of year of make. The Robust Car Computer product development requirements included a mini-motherboard, a disk-based hard drive, a DVD-CD player, a dual supply 12-Volt DC-DC converter to support an internal battery, ability to mitigate vibrations and shocks produced by any road conditions, and reduced volume to fit in the trunk of a car while occupying the minimum amount of volume.

This project took several years to complete due to the nature of the mechanical vibrations, thermal and electrical environments encountered in a car while in motion. The concept development analysis for this product required to divide the product into subsystems in order to generate subsystem level requirements based on the product’s primary requirements. Also, in order to minimize risks, it was necessary to designed and performed many acceptance tests at the subsystem level. This product development strategy allowed us to understand technically the effectiveness of all new ideas before product integration. Many companies make the mistake of testing only after product integration when so many new technologies and strategies are implemented. This strategy could result in costly delays and redesigns. The final product exceeded all defined requirements and expectations. Almost for all the subsystems designed there was a breakthrough. The greatest project breakthrough came from the design of the vibration and shock dampening system which dissipates nearly 98% of the mechanical energy inputted into the system.