I bet this is exactly how the iPhone started.
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Second iteration. Now with 3d printed faceplate. I think we'll put the speaker at the back and make the entire thing a bit more chunky / toddler proof.
/2
@Pepijn if I may, if the goal is really to be toddler proof, I would recommend rocker switches. If you bang you hand on those (or walks ob then) it hurts.
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@Pepijn good idea.
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Second iteration. Now with 3d printed faceplate. I think we'll put the speaker at the back and make the entire thing a bit more chunky / toddler proof.
/2
I'll use this as a thread to document the building of this toy.
Idea: https://mastodon.online/@Pepijn/117257481074439294
Electronics: https://mastodon.online/@Pepijn/117293604254967877
Current phase is creating (in #FreeCAD) the physical box, some internal support structures for the electronics, and the faceplate. As it has to be herd-of-small-children-proof and maintainable (replace batteries, change sounds for further use) it's a fun learning project to figure out the design requirements for that.
/3
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@Pepijn How about a round rim gripping around the outermost ring of the speaker, that is slightly more than 180 degrees, allowing the speaker to be clicked in?
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@Pepijn
If you're already expecting a recess to drop it in from the front, I'd suggest a lip all around the back, but only for the outermost ring of the speaker, that way you'd still have most of the back exposed.Or at least a few tabs where the speaker can sit.
Though a lip around the whole speaker would allow for either a gasket or pad to more easily be placed between the speaker and its support, which would reduce rattling being conducted to the case.
PS: Never done this, just basing on what I've seen.
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@Pepijn Can you have the recess on the outside and a ring on the grille? This way the grille can secure the speaker in place when it is installed.
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@Pepijn Here's how I solved that problem.
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I'll use this as a thread to document the building of this toy.
Idea: https://mastodon.online/@Pepijn/117257481074439294
Electronics: https://mastodon.online/@Pepijn/117293604254967877
Current phase is creating (in #FreeCAD) the physical box, some internal support structures for the electronics, and the faceplate. As it has to be herd-of-small-children-proof and maintainable (replace batteries, change sounds for further use) it's a fun learning project to figure out the design requirements for that.
/3
Update: #freecad 3D model is basically done. After figuring out threaded inserts I'll print it.
I added a little slot for the speaker. The backplate is locked in place by the faceplate.
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Someone asked if this is all worth it for a halloween costume.Well. I'm fairly certain toddler would also be really happy with a cardboard box and no sound.
Toddler also enjoys participating in this though. And I'm learning new #hobby skills.
So yes. It is, as we're having fun.
/4
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Update: #freecad 3D model is basically done. After figuring out threaded inserts I'll print it.
I added a little slot for the speaker. The backplate is locked in place by the faceplate.
--
Someone asked if this is all worth it for a halloween costume.Well. I'm fairly certain toddler would also be really happy with a cardboard box and no sound.
Toddler also enjoys participating in this though. And I'm learning new #hobby skills.
So yes. It is, as we're having fun.
/4
I forgot who I chatted with about this, but just to confirm: When I complete the toy I'll create a short page on my website with part list, .stl files (in various versions) and building instructions.
/5
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I bet this is exactly how the iPhone started.
edit. Correction: replace iPhone with Large Hadron Collider.
@Pepijn your autocorrect has been hacked by a Scottish particle physicist
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@Pepijn your autocorrect has been hacked by a Scottish particle physicist
@venite But he was super good at walls.
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I forgot who I chatted with about this, but just to confirm: When I complete the toy I'll create a short page on my website with part list, .stl files (in various versions) and building instructions.
/5
@Pepijn may I suggest you share .step files or even .3mf files instead?
And the freeCAD files as an extraMakes it so much easier to adept your design, if needed
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@Pepijn may I suggest you share .step files or even .3mf files instead?
And the freeCAD files as an extraMakes it so much easier to adept your design, if needed
@LegoPink Good idea.
Are .step and .3mf files exported from FreeCAD easy to work with? I've never tried that.
My original FreeCAD files are extremely messy as I used a base file that includes a lot of comments (to myself) so without a rebuild I don't feel comfy with that

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@LegoPink Good idea.
Are .step and .3mf files exported from FreeCAD easy to work with? I've never tried that.
My original FreeCAD files are extremely messy as I used a base file that includes a lot of comments (to myself) so without a rebuild I don't feel comfy with that

@Pepijn
Good question, actually...
If imported .stl files in FreeCAD and was very annoyed with it. Never tried importing someone else's .step ffilesI always export to .step or .3mf, (never .stl)
And import with OrcaSlicer for 3D printing, works for meTotally agree on not being comfortable to share some of my FreeCAD mess...
Still learning modeling -
@Pepijn
Good question, actually...
If imported .stl files in FreeCAD and was very annoyed with it. Never tried importing someone else's .step ffilesI always export to .step or .3mf, (never .stl)
And import with OrcaSlicer for 3D printing, works for meTotally agree on not being comfortable to share some of my FreeCAD mess...
Still learning modeling@LegoPink I'll experiment with it as I do like the suggestion

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Update: #freecad 3D model is basically done. After figuring out threaded inserts I'll print it.
I added a little slot for the speaker. The backplate is locked in place by the faceplate.
--
Someone asked if this is all worth it for a halloween costume.Well. I'm fairly certain toddler would also be really happy with a cardboard box and no sound.
Toddler also enjoys participating in this though. And I'm learning new #hobby skills.
So yes. It is, as we're having fun.
/4
@Pepijn
You might consider self tapering screws for plastic instead. -
@Pepijn
You might consider self tapering screws for plastic instead.@NUeB That usually works but for this I'm trying something a bit more durable and toddler-proof.
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I forgot who I chatted with about this, but just to confirm: When I complete the toy I'll create a short page on my website with part list, .stl files (in various versions) and building instructions.
/5
Hurrah! Threaded inserts are nice!
Photo is a test I did with different hole sized and wall thickness.
/6
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Hurrah! Threaded inserts are nice!
Photo is a test I did with different hole sized and wall thickness.
/6
Update: 3D model is done (screenshot is of an iteration just before the final one). Tonight I'll put together a little circuit board to slip into recesses printed inside the box.
I take great joy in how massively overengineered it all is. Tricks learned will be great for future projects.
Next is printing, sanding & painting, and assembly.
Then we'll have to figure out some daycare appropriate sounds (so: barely audible, gentle, not-fucking-annoying)
/7
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Update: 3D model is done (screenshot is of an iteration just before the final one). Tonight I'll put together a little circuit board to slip into recesses printed inside the box.
I take great joy in how massively overengineered it all is. Tricks learned will be great for future projects.
Next is printing, sanding & painting, and assembly.
Then we'll have to figure out some daycare appropriate sounds (so: barely audible, gentle, not-fucking-annoying)
/7
Today the 3D designed parts were printed and passed the test fit.
I also collected all other components (yes that's lego, and yes I'll glue it) and knolled them together for a fun photo

/8