Sign Me UP!
[ ed ... ] and what I can do on the 3 modelling front.
Hi Miax,
You may be the perfect person to create a model for the case!
You already have a datahand to take measurements from...
My one gripe with the datahand case is that the case doesn't allow
the tented, angled, and very close together position that I would like.
So, my design input for the case starts like this:
- OpenSCAD or possibly Blender if it supports model parameterization (I've
read that it can be done) so that anyone can manipulate the model without
needing to purchase software (open to other options if they meet this goal)
- parametric design allowing the basic 3D printing process tolerances
and design parameters to be updated with parameter changes. This should
help those not intimately familiar with 3D modeling tool to adjust the model,
and should allow easier targetting of various 3D printing processes.
model units should be mm if possible. I think that at least the palmrest needs
to be 3D printed to easily get a nice organic shape. Circuit board sizes, palm rest
parameters, lengths of slots and sides, parameters for thumb button openings,
and anything else which should be adjustable should come into the model
through an adjustable parameter.
- develop a simple approach for fixing height/position of the finger assembly
relative to the thumb/palmrest. I am not super sensitive to the exact positioning
of the finger assembly, so I think there is flexibility there. Ideally, this will be
an approach which will be simple to manufacture at our scales here...(i.e. maybe
not the geared sliding infinitely adjustable approach of the original) Maybe just
a way to use a variety of standoff lengths to do some height adjustment, and some
slots for finger-2-palm distance?
- support a threaded insert for mounting like on the original.
- Support for a second threaded insert so that they can be prevented from
spinning on tenting stands.
I think that shapeways' ceramic printing, and mkawa's FDM process are the
two that should be targetted in the initial design.
I suspect that others have input, and hope to hear it. Maybe we can make good
use of laser cut wood or acrylic for part of the case?
Are you interested/willing to have a go at the case design?
Maybe some adjustable palmrest is possible instead of the DataHand S/M/L approach?
I expect to have only 2 PCBs per hand, one for the thumbs, one for fingers, with possibly
leaving the back of the case open, maybe with some strain-relief tie-down points for exiting cables.
Even if you don't want to take this on, please add your comments on how the case should be done.
I'll try to include what I can when I get to that point.
I just moved, so will have limited internet for a few days... I could send sketches then if that
would be helpful.