Bugs on the mind
What’s up I’ve been making some bugs.
After making some vibrating paper robots, I wanted to see if I could replicate their effect with a simple 3D printed robot. Some things worked really well here, some things I still have to play around with.
Two bugs in CAD
Check out this squad
What worked:
Tolerances and electronics were perfect on the first try! I’m still using those little round batteries and I was able to model a perfect press fit on the first try so the battery doesn’t shake out when the bug vibrates.
Also the premise of copper tape connected to a battery connected to a motor mostly works, so that’s good. No need for resistors or other complicated stuff.
What didn’t work:
Compared to the paper, the 3D prints just don’t have as much of a spring in their step. I tried to give my second design long legs like a grasshopper or pond skipper in the hope they’d be springy but alas the print did not turn out so. Might be worth playing around with a different leg design, or a different material?
He’s doing his best but lacking gusto
Buzzing like an idiot
Other Things:
I printed the “pond skipper” type bug with a translucent filament and no infill so it turned out really cool looking in my opinion. Not every print needs infill, it cuts down on print time and doesn’t sacrifice much strength for a simple prototype.
So icy and clear
What’s next?
I think some combo of paper and 3D print or laser cut might be best. The 3D print is really ideal for housing the battery because the tolerances are tight and reliable, but the paper offers more flexibility and motion in the bug design. This seems like a nice foundation for some educational play kit that could be produced and shipped out to homes.
For a true documentation of process, here’s some dumb sketches I’ve been playing around with:
Alright that’s it for now, talk to you soon!