Propeller & Spinning Top Launcher

thingiverse

This launcher is designed to work with both propellers and spinning tops. You can fly the propellers and also spin the tops by using one launcher. It's a new design that was inspired by Davidcolsson's propeller launcher, which you can find on Thingiverse at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:312971. To fly the propellers and turn the tops, I adopted Davidcolsson's method of pulling a dragger. Now it's your turn to design your own propellers and spinning tops and print them! Then you can fly the propellers and spin the tops using my launcher! **If you want a left-handed launcher, mirror the following parts on the x-axis (Mirror X) and then print them in Cura:** launcher_drive_coupling.stl launcher_dragger_turns.stl propeller_blades.stl top.stl Print Settings: Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer: Simple Black Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm layer thickness Infill: 100% I designed the launcher in Autodesk Inventor, but I found out that the driving principle of a propeller and a spinning top is the same. That's why I made this launcher small and compact to save materials and printing time. Students create their own propellers or spinning tops and drive them using this launcher. To help students design, I also uploaded customizable propeller and spinning top files. Project: Design Propellers and Spinning Tops Objectives: * Learn dynamics of a propeller and a spinning top * Learn basic 3D design skills and how to use at least one of 3D modeling softwares * Design and create propellers and spinning tops Audiences: * Students in grades 5-10 Preparation: * Have students form into working groups of 4-5 students * Research and study a propeller or a helicopter rotor, and a spinning top (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top) * Learn how to use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. * Learn how to use Autodesk Meshmixer(http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer) Step 1: Print a launcher Each group prints one launcher. The launcher consists of 4 parts: * launcher_handle.stl * launcher_drive_coupling.stl * launcher_lid.stl * launcher_dragger(3_turns).stl (220mm long) For more power, print launcher_dragger(4_turns).stl. I couldn't print it because of my 3D printer's limitations. Use different colors to distinguish between the parts. When you assemble the launcher, glue the lid with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Step 2: Design a propeller Use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. Design Considerations: * In Autodesk Meshmixer, replace your rod spindle with "Top_Pole.stl". * I designed a customizable spinning top (design_spinning_top_scad.zip). To make the top spindle, import the "import_Top_Pole.stl" file. Step 3: Design a spinning top Use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. Design Considerations: * In Autodesk Meshmixer, replace your rod spindle with "Top_Pole.stl". * I designed a customizable propeller (design_propeller_scad.zip). To make the propeller blades, import the "import_propeller_blades.stl" file. Step 4: Print models Use 0.2mm layer thickness and 100% infill. Step 5: Test models, iterate, and 3D print Test flying the propellers and spinning the tops. Students give feedback on their models. If necessary, re-design and re-print models. Results: * Each group races in a classroom. * Prizes: Best Design, Best Performance (flying distance or spinning time), or Top Battle Champion, etc. For example: * Propeller - Flying at the Target(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyO3txRh6Ps) * Spinning Top - Best Spinning Time (1 m 23s)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Qw5tbjWi0) References: * My propeller models: propeller_2blades, _3blades, _4blades, and _5blades.stl files. * I uploaded spinning tops: top_Blade_type.stl, top_KAZA-ORBITAL_REMIX.stl(http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:542914) * And I designed a special top(http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1320207) for my launcher.