Fidget Counter Toy

So, I wanted to create my own Fidget Toy… not just another dummy button, but a proper working mechanism. I went through multiple prototypes and designs to end up with the Fidget Counter. It is really clicky and snappy and addictive… You can use the pusher/button or just play with the gear - it goes in one direction only. Assembly is easy, just follow the instruction. I hope you will like it!

Mods

NEW Skeleton Cover Mod - https://makerworld.com/en/models/456500
Skeletonized version of the top cover allowing you to see the inner mechanism.

NEW Keyring Mod - https://makerworld.com/en/models/460815

Keyring hook you can print in any color you like and attach to the main body.

Printing Notes:

• Please make sure your filament is dry!
  Wet PLA is becoming very brittle and may cause the tension springs to break quickly.
  During my tests with dry filaments, I have not experienced any broken spring so far, however, please consider PLA is not the best material for such use and may break anyway after extensive use. Main Tension Spring is designed in a way it can be printed separately and quickly replaced if necessary.
• If you are experiencing corner lifting problem when printing the case, use the profile with brim.
• For both springs I suggest avoiding Matte PLAs or any other filament with additives since those tends to deform much more than a Basic PLA which works well and is springy enough. PETG or ABS should work even better for this purpose.
• I have tested this model extensively with standard 0.4 Nozzle and 0.08mm Layer Height using Bambu Lab and Polymaker PLAs.

Assembly Guide

Install the parts in order described:

1. First put Gear Tension Spring [1, violet] - Make sure it is properly aligned with the post. It is press fit so with just a little push it will slide into its place.
2. Then goes Big Gear [2, orange] - Be careful with the spring you placed; you will need to pry it a bit to place the gear. It should fit the axis just a little loose, so you can spin it freely but just in one direction. It is supposed to click.
3. Next Small Gear [3, green] - Same as big one it will fit axis with some play and both gears should now work together but again just in one direction.
4. Then fit Pusher Tension Spring [4, blue] - It should slide in nicely with not much force required.
5. Lastly install Pusher Button [5, yellow] - Fit it into place so its bottom will seat on the tension spring and the arm will fit the small gear. Now you can test the whole mechanism even without the top cover.
6. Finally, if everything works, you can close the cover. Line it up (watch out for the pusher since it may be pushed by the tension spring to side) and with a little force it will snap.

Changelog

• 07/05/2024 - Skeleton Cover Mod released.
• 10/05/2024 - Designer Profile split into version with and without brim.
• 11/05/2024 - Tolerance for Small Spring increased by 0.1mm to allow easier mounting/demounting.