Water Drop Timer

thingiverse

Human: Time keeping is as old as our species, and early humans employed devices like water clocks to measure time's passage. While these ancient instruments are no longer in widespread use, the 16th century invention of the pendulum clock marked a major turning point in time measurement. Using cutting-edge technology, we bring this timeless concept back into the modern era by harnessing the power of 3D printing! Our water drop timer is crafted with just three printed parts and works flawlessly as its ancient counterparts. By consistently dripping water from a reservoir, the timer triggers when the water falls onto a counterbalance arm weighted down by coins. As time progresses, the arm levels out, signifying that your timing duration has expired. To tailor this timer for different intervals, adjust the quantity or type of coins on the balance. Mounting holes have been integrated into our design to support standard 5mm LEDs or piezo buzzers. These indicators can be connected via a circuit established by contacts located at the bottom of the balancing arm and the motion stop – that square-shaped component attached to the legs' lower section. By connecting the contacts, power will flow through your timer's indicators. Refer to our instruction tab for detailed guidance on building this device from scratch. The printed legs displayed in images accompanying these instructions may look incomplete due to printing issues but yours will be perfectly complete with additional mounting holes added during assembly. Items Required---------------------- *13/32" or 1mm drill bit M3 Bolt x 10-30mm Coins (in varying types and quantities) ----------------------Assembly/Construction---------------------- Begin by printing all device parts: Ensure full infill prints of "Balance_Arm_rev1" and "Main_Water_Tank_rev1", to guarantee no leaks. PLA or ABS work well for these prints, as they're water-resistant. In case you can't print the small pin due to a printing mishap, simply substitute it with an M3 bolt (any length between 10mm will do). If the tiny hole at the bottom of Main Water Bucket doesn't appear clear and perfectly round, make use of the 13/32 or 1mm drill bit for clearance. After your prints have been made, you may now begin the assembly process. First, insert Balance Arm onto Legs by placing it in the correct slot - smooth operation should result without friction. Locate Pin (or M3 bolt), then press it into hole on shaft protruding from Balance arm – this action stops the balancing part's ability to slide. Lastly, carefully place Main Water Bucket on top of legs, ensuring easy installation without issues. If desired for extra stability, make use of the available mounting holes placed upon Legs' underside, so you may fasten device firmly to bigger support structure such as a desk etc. ----------------------Usage---------------------- Follow this step by step procedure: Place and number of coins specified within provided table on the small container positioned near Balance Arm (Refer Below). Fill water up until almost brimming in main tank & plug one side when timing interval is needed – let water trickle, triggering timer mechanism. Allow until balance level – completion has reached.