DIY Insulated computer briefcase

[Pryce]

Hey yall!  I'm a very creative person and I absolutely love coming up with solutions to problems. So this time around I made a insulated computer briefcase for those cold winter days! I use a low/mid level laptop that was initially purchased for school work, so it's not very well suited for outdoor use and the battery isn't that big. So I had to come up with something that would keep my batteries warm enough to not instantly die.
Since the case is relatively small the computer, harddrive and powerbank will keep the temperature inside the case at a fairly decent level.


What I've used:
1 Aluminion briefcase
3 40x60 plates of 10mm soundproofing insualtion foam
2 x 40x60 plastic plates
1 1m extension cord
12 small L brackets
A whole bucnh of 10mm bolts and locking nuts


First I removed all the internal compartments and folder systems.

I took internal measurements and proceeded to cut the insulation foam into pieces fitting the top, bottom and sides.  One side has adhesives so once I had the measurements right I just slapped them on the inside of the entire briefcase.

Then I drilled a 10mm hole in the side of the case and put the extension cord in place. I then reassembled the female end of the cord and filled the hole with silicone around the cord. I did not drill any additional holes right away, but I will have to do that for both a 12v charger cable and for the cables to control the equipment.  I might attach a USB hub on the outside of the case itself, but I'm not entirely sure yet.

From here I took new measurements of the insde and cut the plastic plates in approximate sizes but left some room on the sides for potential cords and the like.  I drilled holes and bolted the L brackets in place on each plate. I then placed the plates on top of eachother(brackets facing eachother) and bolted them together.   I wanted a smaller compartment below the laptop for cord storage, harddrives, powerbanks(for when I don't have access to 230v) and stuff like that.

 

Obviosuly, one major drawback with this setup is that you have to close the lid for the insulation to actually work, but it's not like I'd sit there staring at the screen all the time either. So I just have to remember to change my powersettings to NOT hibernate when I close the lid 🤣

 

Edited September 1, 2020 by Pryce

[Starwatcher2001]

Nice hack!  Ironically, I wonder with all that insulation and the heat generated from the laptop and drive, if you might have an overheating problem...

[Pryce]

1 minute ago, Starwatcher2001 said:

Nice hack!  Ironically, I wonder with all that insulation and the heat generated from the laptop and drive, if you might have an overheating problem...

I thought about that as well!  I might add a electronic thermostat and mount the display module on the outside so I can monitor it.

Wordt cade I can just open it every now an then to cool it down

[Pryce]

Did some modifications today by raising the plexiglas board using some bigger L brackets.

I drilled holes in them for eaier cable access and airflow(will probably drill a few more below the PC for more airflow) 

I drilled a hole in the side of the case and added an outdoor socket hood so I can easily access the PC with the cables from the equipment.

Added a wireless thermostat so I can monitor the inside temperature while the case is closed! If the temperature turns out to be an issue I might add a minor fan system in the lid to keep the temp at bay.  One thing I'm concerned about is if the aluminum case and foil will function as a faraday cage and block the signal from the wireless thermostat(or wifi). But I'll have to do some testing on that.

I'll also look into adding a USB hub as my computer only has two ports.  Suspect I'm going to need more.

Edited September 2, 2020 by Pryce

[Starwatcher2001]

You might get away with the wifi signal. I've just put my phone in a similar aluminium case (without the foil or insulating you have), and it will still take a call from outside. I know, different frequencies and technology to wifi, but I was a bit surprised it worked. There's plenty of postings about aluminium foil being used to prevent signals from phones.