Fidget Spinner Fan

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With the warmer weather fast approaching, I needed a fidget that would keep me cool and comfortable as temperatures soar to 115F at their peak. To achieve this, I wanted a design that could spin and waft air, displacing it most effectively when held at an angle of 45-60 degrees. This device also has the potential to educate students about physics concepts such as fluid and gas flow, rotating bodies, and other applications. I chose to use 1/4-20 standard hex nuts as weights and skateboard bearings for rotation. To ensure a smooth fan blade surface, I printed this design with a 0.1mm layer height. The structure is minimal, requiring little to no internal support, and features two or three perimeter shells created using a 0.4mm nozzle printer. A video showcasing the spinner's functionality can be viewed below. The source files from SolidWorks are available for download. Potential issues with this design include manufacturing inconsistencies resulting from finishing processes and print dimension variations, which can lead to tolerance issues on rotational copied features. These issues often cannot be resolved by simply adjusting the XY printing settings, as prints may end up too small, too large, or just right – a common problem known as the "Goldilocks flaw." To address potential problems with the nuts: 1. If they are loose, a few drops of super glue can secure them in place, and using hex caps will ensure they stay put once cured. 2. If the nuts are too tight, several options are available: A. File or sand the space to create a larger opening. B. Heat the nut in 60C (hot) water and press it into the space. C. Apply pressure to force the nut into place, taking care not to crack the frame.