MouseMotel

cults3d

UPDATE 2010-03-19 I've uploaded fresh images and completed the assembly instructions for the MouseMotel. I dedicated my time to these updates, but still need to tidy up the OpenSCAD files. UPDATE 2010-03-05 Two new STL files are now available: MouseMotel_0.3.stl and MouseMotelLid_0.3.stl. These supersede all previous versions and are designed for a 70 mm ID bottle, which I used from a 20 oz/591 mL container. An OpenSCAD screen grab shows how the parts fit together. Once I finalize the MouseMotel.scad file, I'll upload it too. UPDATE 2010-03-04 I've uploaded an STL file of the main part, but still need to tweak the flap that contains the mouse. UPDATE 2010-03-02 Check out the photo – my MouseMotel works! And it's still alive! Seriously, since any garbage can has a suitable enclosure for the trap, I decided to focus on creating a printable one-way flap that fits into a cut-down bottle. This reduces the size and number of parts necessary for the trap. Because I used OpenSCAD, my favorite modeling tool, I parameterized the design so it can be used for bottles of various diameters. Here's the basic concept: Cut off the top of your chosen bottle. Size and print a ring that fits inside the bottle. Print the flap that sits inside the ring. Insert 2 3 mm captive nuts into holes on the outside of the ring. Insert the ring into the bottle. Punch or cut holes for stabilizers. Insert stabilizers into captive nuts. Insert a length of 3 mm plastic feedstock to function as the flap hinge pin. Place the motel at your desired location. Bait the motel with peanut butter. Wait! The mouse will smell the bait, enter the one-way flap in the bottle to get it, and be trapped! The stabilizers on either side of the bottle keep it from rolling around while the mouse explores its new home. I'm still working on a few details, and will update this project as I finalize them.