🔍 Why I made this project

The idea came from a small but real problem – when using a thermos or gear outdoors, things tend to fall over, get scratched, or take up too much space. I wanted to create a case that solves these issues for the OutIn Nano: something protective, strong, and easy to carry.

So I designed the OutIn Nano Armor – a minimal, outdoor-friendly case that protects the coffee maker, works as a stand, and still fits easily in your backpack.

🧩 How I started

Since I don’t own the actual coffee maker, I had to recreate the model manually in Onshape by looking at product photos. That took me two attempts – but after I got the dimensions and shapes right, I could start building the case around it.

I worked on the model for 7 days, constantly tweaking and improving the details until everything fit perfectly and worked the way I wanted.

🧱 What the model includes

The OutIn Nano Armor consists of four parts:

• The main shell that wraps around the coffee maker
• Two fold-out side supports that act as a stand
• A top lid with a twist-lock to close and secure the case

It’s designed to be printed in one color, assembled without glue, and it can be snapped together easily – just insert the side supports into their slots.

🛠️ Design choices

I kept the design as compact as possible, so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space. At the same time, I made sure it’s functional – it lifts the coffee maker above the cup using the foldable supports, and it stays stable while brewing.

I intentionally didn’t add extra storage for capsules or accessories. Those can easily go in your backpack where they’ll stay safe – no need to make the case bigger than it has to be.

One of the hardest parts was designing the hinges and side arms so that they open smoothly without hitting the case, and making sure the lid locks and unlocks easily.

🧠 What I learned

This project taught me a lot – from modeling complex shapes based on photos, to designing mechanical parts like hinges and twist locks. It was a real design challenge, but also a fun experience.

I'm happy with how it turned out:
It’s small, tough, good-looking, and works exactly how I hoped. 💪

🏆 My goal

I made this for the MakerWorld × OutIn challenge, and I really hope to place well – maybe even make it into the Top 4. 🥈
If you like the model, I’d love your support – whether it’s a like, a comment, or even a print. Every bit helps!

Thanks for reading – and happy making! 🙌