Addifacture (bicycle mobile mount)

STUDIO

ADDIFACTURE Patrick Goslar - S3383217

Introduction Additive manufacturing is showing strong growth and is exponentially rising it advancements and productivity. 3D printing has become a technological breakthrough especially in fields like design and science, where unique designs and rapid prototypes are key to a productive outcome.

The full potential of 3D printing is yet to be seen with hopes to go above and beyond one off prototypes to a more productive and efficient system. With a host full of medium additive manufacturing can branch out to other fields creating endless possibilities.

Background Mobile phones have become almost a necessity in today’s society, and with all the applications and programs it was clear that there was potential for accessories. That, and the popularity of riding in Melbourne CBD let alone the world, prompted the idea of a phone accessory that could be attached to the handlebar.

With the aid of 3D printing, it opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to unique sizes and shapes for such devices, leaving behind the usual specifically orientated designs we see today.

Simple measurements like length, width and height are what make this outcome unique to other products out there.

Design The initial design was to map out and list variations that can apply to the product, becoming the key components to which the designs are based around. With the basic shapes and ideas in place it then became a time of brainstorming thumbnail sketches, having various features made pronounced to change. It soon became a road of elimination with the help of practical factors involving weight, complexity, necessity, and overall size. The idea being to reach an outcome where the least problems can be encountered once 3D printing.

Whilst some complex limitations had to be set the goal was to achieve as many customizable options available. An example would be the positioning of the mount relative to the case; having that ability to customize can deal with a whole range of compatibility with different geometries of bikes. (Having a low and short bike could have the mount positioned so that the case protrudes up a lot higher.)

Process Developing physical models is where it was clear if some design could or could not work. Having the ability to see the scale and size in person and using handlebars as a guide it can become apparent if it overcrowds, or too bulky. Ideas of moving parts and gears were quickly revised as the intricacy would be too fragile and take up a lot of room at such a scale as a mobile phone.

Wall thickness became apparent to me with the use of Solidworks; what I first was possible in the lining of the wall became clear that there was too little material or room. The realization became clear that it was now about simplicity, as less could go wrong, finding that it would be holding a valuable device.

Creating a way of modifying the base model in SolidWorks became easy work with design tables, creating a simple spreadsheet that anyone could use to change the values for themselves. Although it still needs SolidWorks to update the file, it becomes much easier work than having to change each dimension in the model individually.

Outcome 3D printing became a huge success with no design, or model issue, having everything connecting to one another perfectly. The addition of simple OEM parts makes the whole outcome a success with the idea of it being a low prince point product that uses enough resources to function in the correct manner. There were no scaling issues when it came to putting in new dimensions into design tables, having the static points of design staying where they should be.

It also became a very big learning curve with what was not aware to me about the shrinking percentage, having the model a fraction too small for what I would have liked. Printer speeds, overhangs and supports also went smoothly with no dropping issues, which was my biggest concern at the time.

Reflection The studio was a great experience with only positives to take from.

Having a glimpse of what is to come further down the track was interesting and also mind changing to what is actually possible in today’s technology. The ability to first hand be able to work around 3Dprinters was also a nice experience and being able to share in the knowledge of others while they’re building.

It was nice to have collaboration with others and feeding ideas of each other, and progressing much better from it. Although I wished I had more time to experiment and know how far I could take a design even though not having close access to a printer.

Having worked alongside 3rd years also made a great difference in experience; learning methods that may have not been developed or thought of. It also gave focus and motivation throughout the course, admiring others innovation and what can be achieved on Rhinoceros and grasshopper.

It had been a productive and worthwhile experience.