Dispenser Mechanism

This week I have posted my most complex mechanical contraption.  It is a fully printable (no hardware required) dispensing mechanism.  It is currently configured for dog biscuits, but it could be used for a wide range of things.  I just don’t know what!  But it is fun and I think pretty cool at least as an educational tool (and for entertaining our dogs).

It is an awesome design (for me).  Mainly because when I started focusing on 3D printable designs many years ago, I dreamt of a day when I might design functional machines.  And, while this one is not epic in nature, it really marks a moment in time for me where I have switched to thinking about and being able to design more complex machines.  The implementation of gears, combined with my new love for compliant mechanisms, opens the door to creating more interesting (and challenging) projects.  I also feel this is a good educational project because it does incorporate a lot of mechanical design elements.  It can be assembled and disassembled, allowing anyone who wants to really play with the design and study how it works.  Great for young ones (and young ones at heart) to get their hands on and hopefully get inspired.  And, all 100% printed.

While everyone might not need a dog treat dispenser (or candy dispenser) I hope most people will appreciate the complexity of the design and its capacity to help us dream bigger with our 3d printers.  

Please check it out and let me know if you have any great ideas for other applications for this or similar designs.