Casing Design

All-original designs created with KeyCreator direct 3D modelling.

Design Specifications:

Dimensions: 306x165x538 (LxWxH)
0.1mm global tolerance for all non-planar connection surfaces
21 Individual components
15 Unique component designs
Connection points sized for M3 fasteners (countersunk where applicable)
Integrated sensor mounting locations, offering alignment accuracy , especially for the optical food sensing

Fabrication Specifications:

Designed for additive manufacturing by a Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer
- Printed using Hatchbox 1.75mm PLA filament
- 0.2mm Layer height
- 0.8mm Shell thickness
- 1.2mm Top and bottom layer thickness
- 10% Infill density
- Direct platform adhesion (3 line skirt used to prime and manual bed leveling completed before all prints)

* Food storage bottles, bowls, pump, mill assembly, PCB, and all electronics are not included in diagram. All components shown are purely structural designs.

STL Files

Want to view these parts in 3D? The STL files for the full construct and each components are provided on the right. These can be viewed in any CAD program, 3D print slicer, or Microsoft's free 3D Viewer on a Windows device.

Food / Water Bowl Cavities

Houses the food and water bowls. Integrated into the sides are connection points for the neighboring struts, as well as recessed mounting slots for the CdS cells and LEDs. While the water side does not require these recessed cavities, the design was recycled for it to keep the unique part count down, and ease fabrication.

Center and Side Struts

Provides structural support and connection points between the functional components.

Center Strut

Side Strut

Food / Water Storage Silos (with lid)

Houses the food and water storage bottles. Integrated into the sides are connection points for the neighboring struts, as well as recessed mounting slots for the CdS cells and LEDs. While the water side does not require these recessed cavities, the design was recycled for it to keep the unique part count down, and ease fabrication.

Mill Compartment and Platform

Houses the food mill assembly, and includes the upper interface of the center platform. One of the attachment points for the PCB housing can be seen (the other is located on the pump platform). The lower interface is screwed onto the upper to form a single coherent platform. By printing these separately, and providing a flat face, the prints can be done without excessive support material, creating unstable parts. The top of the compartment includes a support strut for the silo.

Pump Compartment and Platform

Houses the water pump, and includes the upper interface of the center platform. One of the attachment points for the PCB housing can be seen (the other is located on the mill platform). The lower interface is screwed onto the upper to form a single coherent platform. By printing these separately, and providing a flat face, the prints can be done without excessive support material, creating unstable parts. The top of the compartment includes a support strut for the silo.

PCB Casing Subcomponents

The PCB casing uses a slide-in rack for the PCB, a slide-in gate including a gap for outbound wires, and a bezel which will hold a plastic window, allowing the PCB to be observed.

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