feat: Add Issue #254 - CSI camera rain/sun shields

Add csi_rain_shield.scad with parametric visor-style protective
shields for all 4 Raspberry Pi CSI cameras (IMX219).

Features:
- Visor-style overhang (32mm forward extension) shields lens from
  rain and direct sunlight
- Drip edge prevents water from trickling back onto PCB
- Snap-fit tabs (4 per shield, no fasteners required)
- Ventilation slots prevent moisture condensation
- Optional transparent polycarbonate lens cover insert
- Radially symmetric design fits all 4 cameras

Includes comprehensive BOM with:
- Print settings and material specifications
- Assembly instructions for snap-fit installation
- Maintenance and troubleshooting guide
- Weather resistance performance notes
- Design variants for different conditions
- Post-print finishing recommendations

Co-Authored-By: Claude Haiku 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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sl-mechanical 2026-03-02 12:48:41 -05:00
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// ============================================================
// csi_rain_shield.scad CSI Camera Rain/Sun Shield
// Issue: #254 Agent: sl-mechanical Date: 2026-03-02
// ============================================================
//
// Parametric visor-style rain and sun shield for SaltyBot's
// 4× Raspberry Pi CSI IMX219 cameras (32×32 mm PCB).
//
// Features:
// Visor-style overhang protects lens from rain & sun
// Drip edge prevents water from running back onto PCB
// Snap-fit attachment clips to camera housing, no fasteners
// Transparent polycarbonate compatible removable lens cover
// Radial symmetry same design fits all 4 cameras
//
// Design for IMX219:
// Camera face plate: 38×38 mm (32 mm PCB + 3 mm frame per side)
// Arm depth: 52 mm from sensor head centre to camera
// 10° nose-down tilt on radial arms
//
// Assembly:
// 1. Print shield body (flat-side-down, minimal supports)
// 2. Optional: Insert clear polycarbonate sheet in front
// 3. Snap shield onto camera housing (4 tabs lock into grooves)
// 4. Repeat for all 4 cameras
//
// RENDER options:
// "shield" single shield unit (default)
// "assembly" 4 shields on camera arms (visual reference)
// "lens_cover" removable transparent polycarbonate insert
// ============================================================
RENDER = "shield";
// Camera housing dimensions
// IMX219 camera with face-plate protection.
CAM_PCB_SIZE = 32.0; // PCB square side
CAM_FACE_SIZE = 38.0; // face plate (PCB + 3mm bezel each side)
CAM_FACE_THICK = 4.0; // face plate thickness (front-to-back)
// M2 hole pattern on PCB (for reference, not used in shield)
M2_SPACING = 24.0; // hole pattern spacing
// Radial arm geometry (from imx219_mount.scad)
ARM_R = 50.0; // platform radius (used in assembly view)
REACH_LEN = 52.0; // arm extension from sensor head
ARM_TILT = 10.0; // nose-down tilt angle
// Rain shield overhang
// Visor extends forward and downward from camera housing.
VISOR_OVERHANG = 32.0; // forward extension from camera face
VISOR_H = 18.0; // overhang height (downward from top)
VISOR_DROP = 16.0; // bottom lip drop (prevents water runoff)
VISOR_THICK = 3.0; // wall thickness
// Drip edge: curved lip at bottom to prevent water trickling back
DRIP_RADIUS = 3.0; // radius of drip edge curve
DRIP_HEIGHT = 4.0; // height of drip lip
// Snap-fit attachment tabs
// Tabs clip into grooves on camera housing side walls.
SNAP_TAB_H = 6.0; // tab height (above housing)
SNAP_TAB_W = 8.0; // tab width
SNAP_TAB_D = 2.0; // tab depth (into groove)
SNAP_CLEARANCE = 0.4; // clearance for easy snap/unsnap
NUM_TABS = 4; // 4 tabs around perimeter
// Lens cover (polycarbonate insert)
// Optional transparent front cover slides into grooves.
LENS_COVER_T = 2.0; // polycarbonate sheet thickness
LENS_COVER_W = CAM_FACE_SIZE + 6.0; // cover width (with edge flanges)
LENS_COVER_FLANGE = 3.0; // flange width on each side
// Ventilation
// Small vent slots prevent moisture condensation inside shield.
VENT_SLOT_W = 3.0; // vent slot width
VENT_SLOT_H = 2.0; // vent slot height
NUM_VENTS = 3; // slots per side (3 on left, 3 on right)
// General
$fn = 64;
e = 0.01;
//
// csi_rain_shield()
// Single shield unit visor with snap-fit tabs.
// Print flat-side-down (visor facing down).
//
// Coordinate system:
// X = left-right (camera width direction)
// Y = front-back (camera pointing direction)
// Z = up-down
// Camera face at Y=0, lens center at origin.
//
module csi_rain_shield() {
// Main visor body asymmetric overhang
difference() {
union() {
// Visor base plate (behind camera, attaches to housing)
translate([-CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 - 4, -CAM_FACE_THICK - 2, 0])
cube([CAM_FACE_SIZE + 8, 6, VISOR_THICK]);
// Forward overhang curved top for water runoff
translate([-VISOR_H/2, -CAM_FACE_THICK, 0]) {
difference() {
// Main overhang volume
cube([VISOR_H, VISOR_OVERHANG, VISOR_THICK]);
// Curved top surface (water sheds outward)
translate([VISOR_H/2, 0, -e])
rotate([90, 0, 0])
cylinder(r = VISOR_H/2 + 2, h = VISOR_OVERHANG + 2*e);
}
}
// Side flanges (stabilize against wind, provide snap-tab base)
for (sx = [-1, 1])
translate([sx * (CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 + 2), -CAM_FACE_THICK, 0])
cube([4, CAM_FACE_THICK + VISOR_OVERHANG/2, VISOR_THICK]);
// Drip edge bottom lip curves downward & forward
translate([-(VISOR_H-2)/2, -CAM_FACE_THICK + VISOR_OVERHANG - 2, -DRIP_HEIGHT])
rotate([0, 90, 0])
cylinder(r = DRIP_RADIUS, h = VISOR_H - 4);
}
// Lens opening lets camera see through (frame around camera face)
translate([-(CAM_FACE_SIZE-2)/2, -CAM_FACE_THICK - 2, -e])
cube([CAM_FACE_SIZE-2, 2, VISOR_THICK + 2*e]);
// Vent slots (prevent condensation) left side
for (i = [0 : NUM_VENTS-1]) {
vent_y = -CAM_FACE_THICK + (VISOR_OVERHANG * (i+1) / (NUM_VENTS+1));
translate([-(CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 + 8), vent_y, VISOR_THICK/2 - VENT_SLOT_H/2])
cube([2, VENT_SLOT_W, VENT_SLOT_H]);
translate([(CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 + 6), vent_y, VISOR_THICK/2 - VENT_SLOT_H/2])
cube([2, VENT_SLOT_W, VENT_SLOT_H]);
}
}
// Snap-fit tabs clip into camera housing grooves
for (i = [0 : NUM_TABS-1]) {
angle = (360 / NUM_TABS) * i - 45; // 4 tabs at 90° intervals, rotated -45°
translate([-CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 - 3, -CAM_FACE_THICK/2, 0])
rotate([0, 0, angle])
translate([CAM_FACE_SIZE/2 + 3 + SNAP_TAB_D/2, 0, -SNAP_TAB_H/2])
cube([SNAP_TAB_W, SNAP_TAB_D + SNAP_CLEARANCE, SNAP_TAB_H], center=true);
}
// Lens cover groove retains transparent polycarbonate insert
translate([-(LENS_COVER_W/2 + 1), -CAM_FACE_THICK - 1.5, -e])
cube([LENS_COVER_W + 2, 1.5, LENS_COVER_T + 0.5]);
}
//
// csi_lens_cover()
// Removable transparent polycarbonate insert.
// This is a phantom/visual-only part; actual cover is cut from
// 2.0 mm clear polycarbonate sheet and trimmed to size.
//
module csi_lens_cover() {
// Clear lens cover sits in grooves on shield front edge
difference() {
union() {
// Main cover plate (represents polycarbonate insert)
translate([-(LENS_COVER_W/2), -CAM_FACE_THICK - 2, 0])
cube([LENS_COVER_W, 2, LENS_COVER_T]);
// Side flanges (grip in shield grooves)
for (sx = [-1, 1])
translate([sx * (LENS_COVER_W/2 - LENS_COVER_FLANGE/2),
-CAM_FACE_THICK - 2, 0])
cube([LENS_COVER_FLANGE, 2, LENS_COVER_T]);
}
// Lens opening (clear aperture in front of camera)
translate([-(CAM_FACE_SIZE-4)/2, -CAM_FACE_THICK - 3, -e])
cube([CAM_FACE_SIZE-4, 4, LENS_COVER_T + 2*e]);
}
}
//
// assembly_4x_shields()
// All 4 shields mounted on radial arms (reference visualization).
//
module assembly_4x_shields() {
// 4 shields at 90° intervals (matches 4x CSI cameras)
for (angle = [0, 90, 180, 270]) {
color("LightSteelBlue", 0.85)
rotate([0, 0, angle])
translate([ARM_R, 0, 0])
rotate([ARM_TILT, 0, 0])
csi_rain_shield();
// Phantom camera face (reference only)
color("DarkGray", 0.5)
rotate([0, 0, angle])
translate([ARM_R, 0, 0])
rotate([ARM_TILT, 0, 0])
translate([-(CAM_FACE_SIZE/2), 0, -CAM_FACE_THICK/2])
cube([CAM_FACE_SIZE, 1, CAM_FACE_SIZE], center=false);
}
}
//
// Render selector
//
if (RENDER == "shield") {
csi_rain_shield();
} else if (RENDER == "assembly") {
assembly_4x_shields();
} else if (RENDER == "lens_cover") {
csi_lens_cover();
}

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# CSI Camera Rain/Sun Shield — BOM + Assembly
**Rev A — 2026-03-02 — sl-mechanical**
---
## System Overview
Protective visor-style rain and sun shields for all 4 Raspberry Pi CSI cameras (IMX219) on SaltyBot's sensor head.
| Feature | Spec |
|---------|------|
| Application | Protects IMX219 cameras from rain, dust, and direct sunlight |
| Camera interface | Snap-fit to camera housing (32×32 mm PCB with 38×38 mm face plate) |
| Material | PETG (printed) or polycarbonate (lens cover) |
| Coverage | All 4 cameras (radial arms at 0°/90°/180°/270°) |
| Visor overhang | 32 mm forward extension |
| Installation | Tool-free snap-fit (no fasteners required) |
| Optional | Clear polycarbonate lens cover insert |
---
## Design Features
- **Visor-style overhang:** 32 mm forward extension shields lens from rain and sun glare
- **Drip edge:** Curved bottom lip (3 mm radius) prevents water from running back onto PCB
- **Snap-fit tabs:** 4 flexible tabs clip into grooves on camera housing sides (no fasteners)
- **Ventilation slots:** 3 vent slots per side prevent moisture condensation inside shield
- **Lens cover groove:** Optional slot accepts removable 2.0 mm clear polycarbonate sheet
- **Minimal weight:** ~810 g per shield (4 shields ≈ 3240 g)
- **No supports needed:** Flat-print orientation; minimal bridging
---
## Part A — Printed Shields
### Single Shield Unit (csi_rain_shield.scad, RENDER="shield")
**Purpose:** Protective visor for one CSI camera lens; clips onto camera housing.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|-----------|-------|-------|
| Qty | 4 | One per camera (front, back, left, right) |
| Material | PETG | 4 perimeters, 25% infill (speed-optimized) |
| Print size | ~45 × 55 × 8 mm | Flat-face-down orientation |
| Print time | ~2535 min per shield | Total ~2 hours for all 4 |
| Support | Minimal | Small bridging over drip edge only |
| Wall thickness | 3 mm nominal | Adequate for snap-tab rigidity |
**Key features:**
- Curved top surface sheds water outward
- 4 snap-fit tabs (one per side) with 0.4 mm clearance for easy on/off
- Vent slots (3 on left, 3 on right) for air circulation
- Integrated groove for optional lens cover
- Drip edge prevents water from trickling back
**Post-print finishing:**
- Remove minimal support (drip edge underside)
- Smooth any rough edges with 220-grit sandpaper
- Test snap-tabs fit snugly (should click into place with light pressure)
- Verify vent slots are open (clear with compressed air if needed)
---
## Part B — Optional Lens Cover
### Clear Polycarbonate Insert (csi_rain_shield.scad, RENDER="lens_cover")
**Purpose:** Optional removable transparent lens cover; protects optics while allowing light transmission.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|-----------|-------|-------|
| Qty | 4 | One per camera (optional) |
| Material | Polycarbonate sheet, clear | 2.0 mm thickness; cut from larger stock |
| Size | ~44 × 44 mm (with flanges) | Trimmed to fit shield groove |
| Optical quality | >90% transmission | Standard transparency grade; no special optics required |
| Source | Cut from 2.0 mm clear polycarbonate sheet | Order stock, cut to size, sand edges smooth |
**Installation:**
1. Measure shield opening: approx. 38×38 mm (camera face size)
2. Cut polycarbonate sheet to ~44×44 mm (includes 3 mm flange on each side)
3. Sand edges smooth with 220+ grit (prevent scratching during insertion)
4. Slide into groove on shield front (flanges grip in shield channels)
5. Can be removed/cleaned without tools
**Note:** Lens cover is **optional** — shields work fine without it. Use for:
- Extreme weather (heavy rain, salt spray)
- Coastal/sandy environments (dust protection)
- High-temperature environments (reduces direct solar heating on sensor)
---
## Assembly Instructions
### Installation on Camera Housing
1. **Prepare shield:** Remove any support material; verify snap-tabs are flexible.
2. **Position shield:** Orient visor away from camera (forward overhang extends away).
3. **Align tabs:** Match snap-tab positions with grooves on camera housing sides.
4. **Apply light pressure:** Snap shield onto housing with gentle thumb pressure.
- You should hear/feel a "click" as each tab engages.
- All 4 tabs should seat simultaneously (indicate correct orientation).
5. **Verify fit:** Tug gently on shield — it should not move relative to housing.
### Installation of Lens Cover (Optional)
1. **Prepare cover:** Sand edges smooth; verify 44×44 mm dimension.
2. **Align flanges:** Position cover so flanges align with groove channels on shield.
3. **Slide into groove:** Insert cover from front, sliding flanges into shield grooves.
4. **Check seating:** Cover should sit flush with shield front (no gaps).
5. **Removal:** Gently pry from one corner to remove for cleaning.
### Removal (For Cleaning/Replacement)
1. **Lens cover:** Pop out with fingernail or plastic lever (takes 10 seconds).
2. **Shield:** Flex one snap-tab up slightly while pulling shield forward.
- Repeat on opposite side if needed.
- Once one tab releases, shield pulls free easily.
3. **Clean:** Wipe interior with dry cloth; use lens cleaner on polycarbonate if needed.
4. **Reinstall:** Reverse steps above.
---
## Fastener List
| # | Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|------|-----|-------|
| 1 | Printed shield (PETG) | 4 | See Part A specs above |
| 2 | Polycarbonate lens cover | 4 | Optional; see Part B above |
| | **No fasteners required** | — | Shields attach via snap-fit tabs only |
---
## Mounting Configuration
All 4 shields mount to radial arms of sensor_head.scad camera arms:
```
Top-down view (looking down at sensor head):
Camera 1 (0°, front)
Shield │ Shield
(270°) │ (90°)
◄────-●─────►
Camera 3 (180°, back)
Each camera has a 32×32 mm PCB with 38×38 mm face plate.
All 4 shields use identical design (radially symmetric).
```
---
## Print Settings (Recommended)
| Parameter | Value | Reason |
|-----------|-------|--------|
| **Nozzle temp** | 215220 °C (PETG) | Prevent stringing; avoid over-heating |
| **Bed temp** | 80 °C | Good adhesion for PETG |
| **Print speed** | 40 mm/s | Normal speed; snapt-tabs need clean layers |
| **Infill** | 25% | Sufficient for rigidity; saves weight & time |
| **Perimeters** | 4 | Ensures solid snap-tabs |
| **Supports** | Minimal (tree/linear) | Only under drip edge if needed |
| **Orientation** | Flat-side-down | Visor face toward bed for best surface finish |
| **Layer height** | 0.2 mm | Standard; 0.1 mm for improved surface finish |
---
## Mass Estimate
| Component | Qty | Material | Est. mass |
|-----------|-----|----------|-----------|
| Rain shield (printed) | 4 | PETG | 810 g each (3240 g total) |
| Polycarbonate cover | 4 | PC sheet | 35 g each (1220 g total, optional) |
| **Subtotal (shields only)** | | | **3240 g** |
| **Total (with covers)** | | | **4460 g** |
**Impact on robot:** Negligible — <60 g added weight distributed symmetrically on sensor head.
---
## Weather Resistance
| Condition | Protection | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-------|
| **Light rain** | Excellent | Visor prevents direct water contact |
| **Heavy rain** | Good | Drip edge minimizes runoff; vent slots allow drainage |
| **Salt spray** | Good | PETG resists corrosion; rinsable with fresh water |
| **Direct sunlight** | Excellent | Reduces lens heating; improves image contrast in bright conditions |
| **Dust** | Very good | Visor blocks most airborne dust; lens cover optional for sandy environments |
| **Snow/ice** | Fair | Shields prevent accumulation on lens; may require occasional wiping |
---
## Maintenance & Cleaning
### Weekly (or after rain/dust storm)
- **Wipe exterior:** Soft cloth, no cleaners (PETG safe with water only)
- **Check vent slots:** Clear any debris with compressed air
- **Verify snap-tabs:** Ensure shield hasn't loosened (retighten if needed)
### Monthly (or as needed)
- **Clean lens:** Remove polycarbonate cover; clean with lens cleaner + microfiber cloth
- **Inspect for cracks:** Check snap-tabs and drip edge for damage
- **Reattach cover:** Reinstall lens cover if removed
### Seasonal (before extended operations)
- **Deep clean:** Soak shields in warm soapy water; dry thoroughly
- **Inspect material:** Check for UV degradation (yellowing, brittleness)
- **Test fit:** Verify snap-tabs still grip firmly; replace if worn
---
## Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Shield won't snap on | Tabs too tight | Sand snap-tabs lightly; verify groove alignment |
| Shield rattles | Tabs too loose | Shim with thin tape; or reprint with tighter tolerance |
| Water pooling inside | Vent slots blocked | Clear vents with compressed air |
| Condensation on lens | Poor ventilation | Increase fan speed on sensor head or add desiccant packet |
| Lens cover stuck | Flanges swollen | Let air-dry in sun for 1 hour; gently pry corner |
| Drip edge cracked | Impact damage | Replace shield; or reinforce with epoxy + fiber tape |
---
## Design Variants
### Variant 1: Enhanced Rain Protection (HEAVY WEATHER)
- Extend visor overhang to 40 mm
- Add full-width drip lip (vs. curved edge)
- Thicken walls to 4 mm for durability
- **Cost:** +10% weight, +5% print time
### Variant 2: Minimal Sun Shield (LIGHTWEIGHT)
- Reduce visor overhang to 20 mm
- Thinner walls (2.5 mm)
- Fewer vent slots (1 per side)
- **Weight savings:** ~15%; best for dry climates
### Variant 3: 360° Camera Protection (ADVANCED)
- Add full-wrap shroud (not just visor)
- Integrated housing covers (larger print)
- Requires more support material
- **Print time:** ~3 hours per shield
---
## Storage & Replacement
**Shelf life:** PETG shields have indefinite shelf life if stored dry.
**Replacement schedule:** Replace if:
- Snap-tabs become loose or brittle
- UV degradation visible (yellowing, embrittlement)
- Cracks develop in visor
- Polycarbonate cover becomes cloudy (clean first; replace if cloudiness persists)
**Spares to keep:** 12 extra shields (in case of damage during field operations).
---
## Files & References
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `csi_rain_shield.scad` | OpenSCAD parametric model (3 RENDER variants) |
| `csi_rain_shield_BOM.md` | This document |
| `imx219_mount.scad` | CSI camera housing reference (dependency) |
| `sensor_head.scad` | Radial arm assembly reference |
---
## Assembly Checklist
- [ ] Print all 4 shields (PETG, flat-face-down)
- [ ] Remove support material (minimal)
- [ ] Sand edges smooth (220 grit)
- [ ] Test snap-tabs (should click into place with finger pressure)
- [ ] Verify vent slots are open
- [ ] *Optional:* Cut polycarbonate lens covers to size
- [ ] *Optional:* Sand polycarbonate edges smooth
- [ ] Mount shields on all 4 cameras (starting with front)
- [ ] Verify all snap-tabs engaged
- [ ] *Optional:* Install polycarbonate lens covers
- [ ] Inspect for water shedding (test with water spray if available)
- [ ] Label shields if needed (mark front/back camera positions)
- [ ] Store spares in dry location