HTC Vive Head Cooler

thingiverse

After spending time with the HTC Vive, you'll likely discover that removing the HMD leaves your face extremely sweaty. Others have found relief by having a fan blow air directly onto their forehead, which helps keep them cool. However, I sought a more affordable solution that didn't break the bank. Since generic laptop coolers are available on Amazon.com, Walmart, and eBay for under $5, I created these mounts to allow you to attach an inexpensive USB fan to your headset. To find mine, I searched online for "USB Mini Octopus Laptop Fan." To assemble this setup, simply remove the four laptop supports from the fan and plug the USB connector into the top of the HMD. Insert the replacement mounts into the fan, making sure they snap securely into place. These mounts are adjustable to accommodate various HMD angles. You can use printed pegs or two small metal screws as hinge pins for added stability. Attach the mounts to the top of the HMD using double-sided tape and you're good to go! If you want to be able to easily turn the fan on and off, consider adding a USB switch to your setup. Here are some photos of the basic fan, USB switch, and assembled fan. I'll post an image of the fan installed on the HMD later. I've revised the design to make it easier to assemble and use by removing the pins/screws. The base piece has also been widened to accommodate this new mounting style. I've added photos and a video showing the fan in action. Since my setup currently lacks an on/off switch, the fan runs continuously when the headset USB is plugged in. For optimal results, use strong double-sided tape if you're using the small brackets as they may not fit perfectly flush against the headset. I'm working on a longer, single-bar type mount to address stability issues, but this setup works well for now.