4 to 1 Splitter

thingiverse

I began working on a custom air pump adapter, tailored to my needs for a hot end cooler in an aquarium setup. The specific model of pump I'm utilizing features four outlets with variable flow rates. Rather than blasting the motor to full capacity and exhausting the three other valves to efficiently cool plastic emerging from the hot end, I designed an adapter to consolidate all four outputs onto a single line. This innovative tool allows users to combine four streams into one, split one stream into four, or customize their application as needed. The internal channels are connected in series, enabling fluid flow from one to all and vice versa. I opted not to simply purchase two elbow connectors and three T-connectors for $0.99 each, a feasible solution that would have achieved the same outcome. As a maker, I chose to dedicate an hour modeling the adapter and another hour printing it, yielding substantial cost savings compared to off-the-shelf components. This adaptable design serves multiple purposes, offering flexibility and versatility. To facilitate duplication of this custom design, I've provided detailed measurements: 5.1mm for exterior dimensions, 2.9mm for interior channels, 12.6mm between connectors, 9mm for connector length, and approximate overall dimensions of 58mm x 30mm x 5.1mm (subject to slight variations depending on the printer used). This innovative solution was specifically tailored for the Petco Air Pump model AC9904, accommodating its unique requirements with precision.