This assignment had us 3D model and print an object with the intention of everyday use. The only requirements were that we made something of our own design. With such free range in this project I decided to create a headphone desk clamp. With my end goal in mind I focused on the feasibility of the clamp's ability to secure itself to the desk while holding a pair of headphones. In order to achieve both goals I started sketching.
Sketching
When I first started sketching I didn't know where to start. Feeling overwhelmed I did some online research for guidance and inspiration. I found a desk clamp on Thingiverse here, where I found some helpful techniques and measurements to get me started. Keeping the CAD process in mind I simplified my sketches in order to help me visualize the basic shape I would need to create for my 3D model.
Prototype
After sketching I started using Onshape for 3D modeling, where I made the desk clamp and screw. This was the most time consuming part of the process as the learning curve felt a little steep. The hardest part was creating the threading for the screw and clamp hole, but with the help of Onshape forums I was able to find success in my design.
Aside from the threading, dimensions were its own challenge, as I needed to make sure all parts were properly sized for real world use. Thingiverse had provided me with essential dimensions, like clamp depth, but the rest was up to my interpretation.
First Print
The screw and clamp interaction was most essential, so I only printed these parts in order to save on time and resources. The screw was slightly too large to fully fit the clamp hole, so I'm glad I made this test print.
Final Prototype
After revising the screw I decided to print the entire prototype. This time around the screw fit!
I then filed a few
edges to clean up the
print and went to test
its feasibility.
The final prototype holding the headphones.
As seen in the photo above the headphone desk clamp has several quality of life features: a headphone rack, chord rack, and an audio jack hole. I was happy that everything worked as planned and that I now have more deskspace.
Analysis
I then brought my prototype to class for critique, with my peers noting how secure the clamp held. They liked how it was able to hold not only the headphones but the chord and audio jack as well. However, they had noted a small crack in the top piece of the clamp, which had probably developed during the sanding process.
If I were to go through the prototyping process for 3D printing again I would spend more time learning what Onshape is capable of. With more time I think I could have made this prototype a lot cleaner, sleeker, and more efficient for printing, as I only scratched the surface of CAD design. But when it comes to the model itself I would reiterate the clamp's vertical support to be be thicker, and fillet both edges for additional strength. I would also widen the screw grip, as it currently does not provide enough leverage.
All work created under the guidance of Professor Brock F. Craft