Twist-N-Lock NASA Handrail Clamp

grabcad

The Twist-N-Lock V6 has been extensively tested and boasts several improvements over its previous versions. It is easy to print, using only 38 grams of ABS including support for a cost of $59.28 when printed on the International Space Station. The design self-interlocks into one piece, reducing assembly to just two parts with two mounting locations for the T-Stud. It also offers an adjustable holding force and is easy to slide on and off handrails. Check out the designer's video showcasing five different designs from prototype to final product. Through his design journey, several important lessons were learned: printing threads in the XY plane provide more strength, avoiding moment stress on screws prevents cracks, increasing shells rather than using infill enhances part strength, keeping designs simple reduces points of failure, built-in features eliminate the need for a manufacturing handbook, and offset amounts for threads should be carefully considered. The Twist-N-Lock V4 has been proven to work effectively, with videos available for viewing. Redesigning within the 1" perimeter offset rules resulted in a stronger assembly with 30% less material usage. Print settings suggestions include a 0.2mm layer height, 90% infill at a 45-degree angle, thick wall setting, normal print speed, and an estimated printing time of 4 hours and 28 minutes for all parts on one build tray. The Twist-N-Lock Clamp is based on mechanical advantage with a Buttress thread pattern, meeting the designer's main criteria: printability, reduced parts, no delicate parts, no support material required, no post processing, easy operation, and reliability.