Pass-n-Thru - Passthrough Fidget System (Magnets)

Description

This is my take on Passthrough Fidget(s). The Pass-n-Thru project represents me just playing around with concepts. Two main 'features' with this 'system':

1. Magnets - Creating effects using magnets.
2. Stacking - what I call coupling, the ability to string together different 'shells'.

There is a 'Build your own' nature to this, but I offer 3 'pre-built' profiles or solutions that highlight different effects (see below for explanation and animated GIFs of those). Then a 4th profile, that just contains all the different compatible models I've created (so far).

Everything offered here, I printed .2 Layer height, various PLA, no supports.

Two size magnets are used to create full effect: 6x3 and 15x2. Glue to secure magnets may be needed.

Note: one can use these without magnets and the effect is, umm, 'Passable'…. But true spirit with this was to offer something more unique.

Overview of the Pass-n-Thru system

There are 4 types of models:

• Shell - These are what the Twirlies Pass through, I have a few different styles and heights.
• Twirly - These are the pieces. Every Twirly has spot for 3x6 magnet on top and bottom. I offer a couple flavors and sizes.
• CapStoppers - These can be used to 'trap' or enclose the twirlies in the shells. The Caps "snap onto" the shells, Cap stoppers come in two flavors
  • Flat - This version has flat top and cannot be coupled.
  • Coupler - This stopper allows for coupling on top of it. (If want to be flexible, just use this style)

Then a CapStopper will have a 6x3 magnet type and a 15x2 magnet type.

• Shell Coupler - Shell Coupler allow one to connect two shells on top of each other, this may also be used with coupler version of the CapStopper as well.

Sizes - My system uses a base unit Height of 8mm, so heights are a factor of that base. A shell that is labeled H10, means 10 units High or 80mm, likewise a H6 will be 48mm high, and so on.

Explanation of Provided Profiles

The Mag-Neat-O

The Mag-neat-o happened by accident, and really is what prompted me to post this. In my Opinion, this is a cool Fidget:

This uses (X4) 3x6 and (X2) 15x2 magnets. It offers a magical 'color change' and disappearing act.

The effect here is possible because of something I stumbled upon (I don't claim to be a Magnetologist), having opposite polarities of a 6mm magnet and a 15mm magnet, initially the magnets repulse from each other, but as they get close, they actually have a weak attraction (due to size difference).

To build this, I alternate the polarities, because you want every magnet when assembled to be opposite to their adjacent. i.e. the Twirlies repell each other and repell from the caps, except when pushed against the cap, should have that weak hold.

The Bottle

I offer this as it's one you can do with no magnets. Shows the coupling and using multiple Twirlies in an enclosed fidget, and it looks like a bottle to me.

Lateralus

Name inspired by the colors I choose, if anyone gets the reference here, make a mention in the comments. I was able to get a "Push Button" effect. Uses (X6) 3x6 and (X1) 15x2 magnets.

For setting polarities on this:

The cap on bottom uses 3x6 and repels the Lower Twirly.

The two Lower Twirles should attract to each other.

The Upper Cap has 15x2 magnet facing up, when assembled. The top lower Twirly should attract to the underside of that cap, and the upper 'button' twirly should repel from the Upper cap.

How this works is the lower twirlies attract to upper magnet, holding them out of sight, when the upper twirly (button) is 'pressed', it creates enough magnetic force on the lowers to have them drop.

I could imagine using this effect in a Rube Goldberg machine, or maybe create a long chain of these?

Conclusion

Feel free to mix and match and experiment.

Thanks so much for reading. If anyone does take time to print something from this, I would love to see pictures and hear experience. Happy printing and SPIRAL OUT, KEEP GOING