Automatic Cat Fountain Battery Operated

Automatic Cat Drinking Fountain

Drinking fountain for cats, small dogs, and more.

You can adjust the size according to your pet's size. Simply scale it in Bambu Studio

I used the following pump for water circulation:

https://funduinoshop.com/elektronische-module/ventile-pumpen/pumpen/miniatur-wasserpumpe-3v-5v-100-200ma-1m-kabel

However, it also works with other pumps, for example, USB-powered ones from various well-known online shops. But please pay attention to the pump's size, flow rate, and hose connection

In its original size, the drinking fountain has dimensions of: 175*175*172 cm (+ attachment)
The opening for the pump there has a size of: 6.5*5.4 cm

As seen in the pictures, I also printed the drinking fountain in a smaller version (70%)

The dimensions are: approx 12*12*11.5 cm (+ attachment)
And the opening for the pump has a size of approx: 4.5*3.8 cm

For the 70% version, there is also a base on which push buttons can be mounted, so the pump only runs when it is activated

Printing Tips:

• Before printing, pay attention to which version of the fountain you want to print. If it's with a base and switches, please consider your printer's build volume and adjust the size accordingly. You can use the 'Katzenbrunnen 70%' print file for this, which should work with most printers.
• Make sure to use as many wall lines as possible (I used 5) to ensure it is watertight.
• Supports should be enabled.
• There are 2 versions of the fountain. One version has openings on the front and sides for switch cables. The other version only has an opening at the back for a cable (e.g.) for USB pumps.
• Feel free to check out the raw model files for this.
• In the print files, you will see there are 3 different attachments/water outlets. It's best to try out which one your pet prefers.

The Print Files:

1. Cat Fountain → This is just the simple fountain file, without holes for cables, etc.
2. Cat Fountain Multi-part → The fountain in original size + multi-part base for the push buttons.
3. Cat Fountain 70% → The size scaled down to 70%, so the base for the push buttons is almost 25x25cm and can be printed in one piece with most printers. The attachments/water outlets are already included in the correct size.
4. Attachments → The 3 different attachments/water outlets.
5. Hose Adapters → 4 different hose adapters.

Assembly:

• Route the pump cable from above through the designated opening. In the bottom part of the fountain, there is enough space for a battery pack, plug, or simply to coil up the excess cable.
• If you want to operate the pump with a battery pack, it is recommended to control it via a push button.
• For this, glue a button into the prepared holes and lay the cables into the bottom part of the fountain.
• As seen in the pictures, I used 2 buttons. Depending on the design and size, more can be used.
• It is important to connect the buttons in parallel (then it is sufficient if one button is pressed).
• For the 'Cat Fountain Multi-part' print file (in original size), the button base is too large to be printed in one piece, so it must be printed in 3 parts and then glued together. The rest is the same.
• Depending on the pump or hose you use, you may need a hose adapter. Simply select the appropriate one from the print file.

Useful Information:

I used the pump described above, along with a battery box with 4 rechargeable batteries. To connect the cables, I used Wago terminals, but this can also be done with luster terminals, etc. I glued the cables and buttons in place with a hot glue gun.

The buttons used are simple 2-pole buttons from Chinese suppliers (N.O. normally open). With a little crafting experience, you'll easily find suitable parts.

If you want to use a USB-powered pump, it is recommended to print it in original size and not scale it down, as the cable opening might become too small otherwise.

Please do not print with standard filament! Please use PLA Pure!

Actually, my plan was to build an Arduino-based control with a motion detector or ultrasonic sensor, but I currently lack the time for that ;-) perhaps I will catch up on this soon

Should you have any questions, feel free to write to me. I will try to answer as quickly as possible