Self Aligning Cup/Bottle Holder

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A self-aligning cup/bottle holder designed to assist individuals with limited hand mobility who rely on crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. This innovative design leverages the gyroscopic effect and gravity to keep liquids aligned, allowing users to focus on navigating their surroundings. Unfortunately, many people facing hand limitations struggle to carry cups and bottles, often requiring assistance from others. Others may use attachments that enable them to carry cans or closed bottles, but these solutions typically do not accommodate open containers. To address this issue, I created a gyroscopic cup holder that ensures drinks remain correctly oriented, allowing users to concentrate on their movement. This design accommodates various placements, tube sizes, and cup/bottle dimensions through multiple versions of its parts. If you require specific size modifications for the tube clip or clip supports, please let me know, and I will do my best to assist. This product is printed with ABS at 280°C using two perimeters (two perimeters are sufficient but for added strength, I print it again with three or four), a speed of 50mm/s, three solid top and bottom layers, 20% infill at 0.2mm layer height. Due to the tendency of ABS to warp, PLA or PET may be a better/easier printing option. Assembly Instructions: Update 1: A revised tube clip (tube_v2.stl and tube_v2_rotated.stl) is now available, offering improved universality for various tube sizes. Update 2: To achieve a better grip on the tube, apply electrical insulating tape around it. Update 3: I have added a circular cork to the bottom of the coaster for enhanced grip on the drink. Begin by selecting the required tube clip size (1 or 2) and version (standard or rotated). The rotated designation refers to the orientation of the hexagonal connector. Next, you will need a 20mm M4 screw and nut; I used nylon locking ones but this is not necessary. Attach the tube clip to the first ring (ring_1.stl). The second ring requires two 20mm M4 screws and nuts. Simply slide the nuts onto the corresponding holes and use the screws to attach the second ring (ring_2.stl) to the first (ring_1.stl), ensuring that the screw head rotates freely within its space. If you experience warping, these holes might be too tight; either sand them until the screw rotates with no friction or reprint the part. There are two versions for the final ring: a solid one if you do not want or need the additional bottom portion (ring_3.stl and ring_3_alt.stl). Assemble it like the previous rings. If you chose to print ring_3.stl, you can add clips and a bottom coaster to the cup holder. At this point, select one of the provided sizes for the supports: S, M, L, or XL. If unsure, the L version is likely the best compromise for adults, while the M size is suitable for children. Simplify clip both parts (part1 and part2) to the third ring; it should snap into place easily. Finally, position the coaster at the center, and with the weight of a cup or bottle, it will stay in place. However, you may want to add a few drops of glue to ensure it doesn't move. As an additional improvement, consider adding a bit of cork to the coaster for better grip on the drink. Check if all rings rotate almost frictionlessly; if not, sand them, reprint them, or apply a small amount of grease. If there is too much friction, the cup holder will not operate correctly. Every ring is attached using 20mm M4 screws and nuts, except for the tube clip, which requires a longer screw (approximately 50mm) or a good quality zip tie, as I did.