2016-01-24 (Su) ESPeri.Impass

A new design was sketched. The largest problem with the old design was that there was no significant difference between a metal-plastic collision and a metal-metal collision. When the spinner would rattle around on the base there was no major difference if the brass post was tapping the nickel-plated magnets or the plastic spinner. On later models it wasn't possible to tell the difference between a metal-metal collision and the plastic spinner hitting the plastic sides of the shroud.

A much softer material will have to be used. Neoprene washers are easy to find and come in a variety of sizes. The new compass design will rely on many of the principles already learned on previous models. As this project progresses it is becoming more and more obvious that a single material will not be sufficient. Ideally a series of shapes could be printed and assembled with a pair of magnets but more steps will obviously be necessary. At least in order to get a model working.

The basic premise is that the magnets will not rest very close to the post and swing left to right instead of up and down. This should save space. Inside the post hole, which will be like a flattened cone, will be a layer of neoprene washers cut to fit inside the hole. There will also be a small washer, intact, installed right below the pivot point. All these points should keep the spinner from making any hard collisions no matter which direction the compass is facing. Off to one side will be a raised segment which will contact a bump on the case. Some of these features are common to the first models ever printed.

Sketch of inside of spinner

Sketch of outside of spinner and magnet

To do:
  • Make handheld haptic compass
  • Make compass work from pocket or necklace
  • Miniaturize
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



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2016-01-24 (Su)

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