Mechanically Locking Container

This container uses a quadruple slider-crank mechanism to lock its lid in place. There are many sizes available.

Widths/Lengths available:

• 100mm x 100mm
• 150mm x 150mm

Heights available:

• 30mm
• 50mm
• 100mm
• 150mm

3 knob designs are also available.

I have also included the F3D file for further customization. There are 2 parameters that can be adjusted to change the height and width (length and width are equal) of the container.

Example of files needed (100mm x 100mm x 50mm container):

• Lid 100
• Container 100-50
• Outer Linkage 100 (Print 4)
• Mid Linkage (Print 4)
• Inner Linkage
• Knob

Print Settings

Print all pieces in the orientation that they come. Be sure to print 4 mid and outer linkage pieces. Although PLA will work, PETG may work better for the mid linkages.

Lid Assembly Instructions

With the lid upside down, insert the inner and outer linkages. The orientation of the outer linkages matter. One face is flat, while the opposite has a slight taper. The flat side should be against the lid. The tapered side should face the container.

With the inner linkage in a horizontal orientation and the outer linkages sticking out about 5mm past the outer edge of the lid, the mid linkages should snap into each piece. Some force is required. Be sure that you press them straight down - if they are tilted during pressing, they may snap.

The knob will need to be glued in place on top of the inner linkage. Place the knob onto the inner linkage and ensure that the linkage moves smoothly. Once happy with everything, use a small amount of glue to permanently connect the knob and inner linkage. If you use too much, it may run out onto the lid and lock everything in place.

The following filaments were used in the pictures above:

• Pink Container
  • polymaker PolyTerra Candy PLA
  • Inland Pink Tough PLA
• Red Container
  • polymaker PolyTerra Army Red PLA
  • polymaker PolyTerra Marble PLA
• Green Container
  • Prusament Simply Green PLA
  • Prusament Opal Green PLA
• Orange/Yellow Container
  • Inland Yellow Tough PLA
  • CC3D Flame Orange PLA+

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