Mendocino Motor

thingiverse

A Revolutionary 3D Printable Motor Components Required The following components, in addition to the 3D printed parts, are necessary for assembly: * 12mm x 3mm neodymium magnets: six pieces * 20mm x 4mm neodymium magnets: two pieces * 0.14mm enamelled copper wire: approximately 46 meters * Solar cell (0.5V, 53mm x 18mm): four pieces (cells up to 80mm long can be used) * Flat headed nail (approximately 4mm): one piece Assembly and Testing To assemble the motor: 1. Print all 3D printed parts using black PLA. 2. Insert two 20mm magnets into the base mag_holder part, ensuring they are aligned magnetically. 3. Push the above part into the base, with the plastic pins holding it in place. 4. Insert two 12mm magnets into one base_mag_holder part and two into another (two parts required), taking care to align magnetic poles similarly. 5. Insert both base_mag_holder parts into the slots on the base, ensuring magnetic poles are aligned. 6. Install spindles into the armature, which only fit one way due to a slight difference in width at each end. 7. If necessary, tap the ends of the spindles with a hammer and wood to avoid burring. Assembly Continues 1. Cut the nail to leave 5mm shaft exposed. 2. Push the nail into the end stop as shown in pictures. 3. Trim the point of the nail to approximately 8mm long. 4. Insert the pointed end into the end spindle_cap_pin part. 5. Attach both caps to the spindle ends. At this stage, the plastic parts are assembled. Verify that magnets are correctly aligned by checking that the armature suspends properly over the base (pin up against the end stop). Final Assembly Steps 1. Wind coils into the armature with 100 turns of copper wire, using 50 turns on each side of the spindle. 2. Connect a single coil to the +ve and -ve connections on one solar cell. 3. Use two short lengths of enamelled copper wire to connect one solar cell to another on the opposite side of the armature, reversing +ve and -ve connections on the second solar cell. 4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other two solar panels. 5. Secure solar panels with tape or elastic bands. Testing and Final Touches 1. Test the motor using a strong torch to ensure it spins when light is applied. 2. If issues arise, now is the time to address them. 3. Once working, glue the solar cells to opposite sides of the armature, securing them with masking tape while the glue dries. Update The motor operates efficiently in strong sunlight and can jump off the base if not properly secured. Using the base_mag_holder_3_magnet part at the end farthest from the end stop prevents this issue.