Rubber Band Copter
Print Profile(4)
Description
My contribution to the Kit Card Design Contest: the Rubber Band Helicopter.
Easy to print and easy to assemble.
No additional components required except:
- a robust rubber band,
- a drop of oil.
How to print:
Line width 0.4 mm, layer height 0.16 mm, first layer height 0.2 mm, no supports, don't print too fast. Or just use my print profile.
Assembly:
Please follow these building instructions, you can find the corresponding pictures above.
- Break out all individual parts from the kit card and remove any remaining fasteners (pictures 1 and 2).
- Put the axle into the round bearing plate and insert the rubber band (picture 3).
- Insert one half of the handle into the round bearing plate (picture 4).
- Add the second half of the handle, making sure that the two loops of the rubber band wrap around the arms of the second handle part (picture 5).
- Pull the two loops of the handle evenly over the second handle part (picture 6).
- Add a drop of oil to the contact surface between the bearing plate and the axle (picture 7).
- Put the rotor on, the orientation doesn't matter (picture 8).
Do not leave out the oil, otherwise the system will lose too much energy due to friction!
Select a decent Rubber Band!
If you choose a rubber band from Maker's Supply, I recommend the RA017 (5x60mm). It's quite thick and a bit difficult to insert into the eyelet, but it offers tremendous power. If you choose another elastic band: not every cheap rubber band will work satisfactorily. I recommend a band that is at least 1 mm thick, 3 to 5 mm wide and 45 to 75 mm in diameter. It should be well elastic and have a decent restoring force. With a good rubber band, 5 to 10 turns of the rotor should be enough to get it to rise a few meters.
If you only have thin, simple rubber bands, try using 2 or 3 of them at a time.
How to use:
Place the rotor on top and turn it clockwise a few times. Then block it with your thumb until you want it to start. (See short video above).
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts, not for children under 3 yrs!
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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