Make Your Own Solution: Tripod Attachment

Don’t you hate when new technology doesn’t fit your tripod from the 80’s? Us too! That’s why in this week’s “Make Your Own Solution” blog, I decided to work through the problems I encounter using my old tripod and tackle new ways to attach a cell phone to the mount. This is the solution I came up with:

CAD Design Process:

Similar to the custom car logo and crab grabber I designed previously in the series, I used SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software to design a custom adapter that fit my phone. Because there are two major components, the attachment fitting my phone and the attachment fitting my tripod, I had to make two outlines. Throughout the CAD process, these designs worked dependently with each other.

Once the models were outlined, I was able to animate the process in which my phone would fit into the case. This capability allowed me to fully test the functionality before sending my design file to the 3D printer. I even had the opportunity to play with aesthetic features of the attachment such as color and transparency. 

3D Printing Process:

After testing the design in SOLIDWORKS, I moved to the 3D printing process using the Stratasys uPrint SE Plus. This printer is great for projects like this becuase it is small, affordable and offers a soluble support option with its dual head extruder. I also love that the uPrint SE plus offers ABSplus in nine color options

After the part was printed and support material was dissolved in the sonic bath, I headed to the testing table. It was the moment of truth whether the phone fit the attachment and whether the attachment screwed onto the tripod. It did! In fact, when you watch the video, you’ll see that the case fit the phone and the adapter without limiting any functionality (always an engineer’s goal).

Have ideas about something you want to make? Comment below how you would have 3D printed a solution differently. After all, there is always more than one way to make your own solution!