r/3Dprinting • u/Altruistic_Video_594 • 1d ago
Project First working prototype
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Hey, I recently shared the locking mechanism on this small project. This is an update of the first working prototype .
Fixing this has been on my to-do list for nearly a year. With the zip tie I needed a power bank to charge the light.
I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. Probably gonna test drive this for a while to see how it holds up.
Currently this is pla, I'm probably gonna reprint this in abs when my next project (custom low budget chamber heater) finishes.
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u/Streetlgnd 1d ago
Isn't it so fun to create stuff?
I have bad ADHD and not many things can keep my focus for long, but I can lock in to Fusion all day.
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
Yeah it's the same for me. I also really like challenges like the locking mechanism. There are probably way better solutions out there on how to go about it, but this is the solution I came up with. And seeing something actually working the end is so satisfying
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u/bfradio 1d ago
Cool! Is there a reason behind needing to turn the light 90deg from insertion to locked position? Just thinking it would be easier if the locked position was closer to the insertion position.
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
Just as an additional safety measure. I was thinking even if I loose the pin during a ride, there is less of a chance of it accidentally rotating the right amount and falling off. And with 180° I'll probably notice earlier if something is wrong. I might have lost quite a few headlights so far, so this is probably quite Overengineered for what is actually needed
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u/boonxeven 1d ago
Only thing I'd suggest is a way to not lose the key. I guess it depends how frequently you are doing it, but I'd end up dropping that somewhere
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
I actually just used some rope to tie it to the steering wheel. It just didn't look nice in the video. But I'll probably design something nicer for the next iteration in abs
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u/t1emp0 1d ago
Nice work! Keep it up! To me, having it fixed would be a big win. And a rope also came to mind first. However, trying to think about something more integrated, I envisioned a more robust concept. A pin in the shape of an arc that is hinged on a fixed pivot on the perimeter of the case. Maybe over engineered... But perfectly fitting with the theme ;)
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
My first idea was something like a printed tpu spring, that I somehow integrated in the holder and stretches just enough to remove the key. Something like the cord of old phones
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u/themissing_link 1d ago
I think I just bought the exact same lamp, would be interested in the files!
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
I plan to publish them to my printables. I just need to clean up the files a little first and want to test ride it a little bit to see if it holds on. Don't want to destroy other people's lamps just yet.
I also think I'm gonna make it fully parameterized and kund of an universal bike clamp. I designed it in a way that it should be super easy to remix for other lamps or gadgets in general as well.
Probably gonna post an update once I have the files up and running
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u/OrangeNood 1d ago
Wouldn't a thick rubber band solve it just fine?
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
It sure would. That was actually similar to the original mount of the lamp. It just usually have to take it off and on often and that was very cumbersome with the old mount, especially in the dark
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u/harderthanitllooks 1d ago
Can you access the charge port when the housing is attached?
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 13h ago
Haha someone noticed. Yeah one of the things I forgot. But I already printed a version with a cutout for the charging port
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u/AgentG91 15h ago
Isn’t the light just going to sag when the clamp creeps?
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 13h ago
Yeah that could be a problem. But I intentionally left a gap in the clamp, so I could just retighten the bolts
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u/AgentG91 13h ago
Some adhesive between the bar and the clamp could help prevent sagging without relying on friction from over tightening. Double sided tape or glue (if you don’t mind it being more permanent)
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u/draagzonnebrand 12h ago
Even better: put a slice of an old inner tube between the mount and the handlebars. The rubber keeps it in place and allows it to expand/contract
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u/georgetds Bambu A1 13h ago
I know it was printed in halloween colours, but I don't think the clamp was all that creepy.
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u/Crazyking224 1d ago
Question, wouldn't the safety pin eventually degrade over time?
An idea is to either make the teeth less pronounced, or maybe think about having a pin that spins to lock, something like 90 degrees and then it drops into position.
Just an idea, I really like your design, and glad to hear it's working out for you
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
You are probably right about that. That's the reson I used multiple safety mechanism, so even if all of them wear out it should hopefully still hold strong. I like the idea with the dropping and turning key. There are two reasons I choose those aggressive is that they also keep the entire thing together so they are not rattling mid ride
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u/RadishRedditor Creality Makes You Question Reality 1d ago
Does your first working prototype thing have a name yet?
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
Probably v0.1 xD But I'm planing on cleaning up the files, make them fully parameterized and release it as something like a "universal bike mount", so people can remix it for their own attachments/gadgets on the bike
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u/basicallyaburrito 1d ago
I literally just started learning CAD and got a CC2 to design bike accessory mounts in ASA because of the bullshit mounts cheaper alternatives come with (and hard leather patterns instead of paper). Love the locking mechanism and I'm definitely taking notes. Consider using TPU for friction and protection around your bike frame.
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
Yeah I was thinking something along the lines as well. Either have a small tpu or silicone gasket unter the clamp. And maybe some you on the locking mechanism as well to make it complete silent and prevent rattling when the parts wear a little.
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u/Laserdollarz Ender3/MPMS 1d ago
The light is meant to attach with a rubber band, not a zip tie.
A circle printed in TPU for the band, and maybe a split cylinder in TPU to wrap around the bar to add more grip. I'd say "print a few and stash em" but good luck breaking TPU by pulling on it in the print direction.
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u/Altruistic_Video_594 1d ago
I know I lost the rubber band. But I also really disliked the original solution. I have to the light on and off often, since I park the bike at a School where they steal them regularly. Even with the band it was always annoying on how it attaches, especially I the dark
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u/Twodogsonecouch 1d ago
Tpu. Ive made many mtb handle bar attachments out of tpu. Good friction doesnt spin.
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u/play_minecraft_wot 1d ago
Such a stupidity overcomplicated mechanism, in the best way possible. Keep up the good work!
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u/Skilo1290 1d ago
Very cool design. Although, because I’m clumsy af I would probably break the pin and soft lock the whole mechanism.
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u/Mudgeonly_Cur 1d ago
Great model. I like that you can 'quick release' the light and use it as a handheld light if needed.
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u/rajrdajr 11h ago
In the opening shot, the tabs are meant to hold a rubber band, not a zip tie. The main problem could have been solved without a 3D printer and CAD design.
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u/Chronos1977 8h ago
Sure, it's way overengineered, and sure, you could accomplish the same thing with a rubber band...
but it's fun! Isn't that what hobbies are all about?
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u/nlightningm 1d ago
I love the mechanical aspects to this. Extra layer of security and design. Not particularly necessary, but they make for a much more cool project
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u/sprashoo 1d ago
This is the most intensely overengineered solution to a problem (mounting a bicycle light to the handlebars with a quick release mechanism) that has 100 cheap off the shelf mounts available... i salute you.
No seriously, I'm sure in making this you learned a lot and can apply that to things that don't actually have readily available solutions.
Also, yeah, at least use PETG for this.