Candy Run (Candy Dispenser / Marble Run)

This project essentially began when I assembled the models that won 1st and 2nd prize in the Candy Dispenser contest.  Their ingenuity and whimsy completely inspired me to finally design something myself.

The kernel of the idea was some kind of mashup between a candy dispenser and a marble run.  I’ve seen gadgets that move spherical confections like gum balls through a 3D maze, but I wanted the equivalent for a candy bar.  The added friction of an irregularly shaped and wrapped piece of chocolate presented obvious roadblocks.  So, the unlock was to still use a spherical object for conveyance, but to make it an empty cage with enough volume to hold a small candy of any geometry. 

The cage is split into halves held together by small magnets, with stronger magnets on its poles.  The middle section is composed of ribs in order to maximize visibility of the candy cargo.  And when the ride is over a quick turn of a crank separates the cage so that the candy pops out to the user.

Assembly

Some glueing is required for the magnets, but all other parts attach mechanically.    The assembly guide gives a more detailed description of the machine parts and some tips. 

Materials

• Magnets (4x2 mm)  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDLF9K2Z?ref=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
• Magnets (12x3 mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCVPVQ1L?ref=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
• Ball Bearings (8mm x 22mm x 7mm)  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6FL8TW?ref=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
• Compression Spring (0.5 x 6 x 50 mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PY68K9C?ref=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
• Plastic Glue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS6QLJMV?ref=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
• (Optional) Silicone Bumpers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0856T8HJF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Build Settings

I used standard PLA and the default settings for quality / strength.  A number of the parts require supports.  I targeted 256 x 256 x 256 for the minimum build volume.