Braille "Dog" blocks

thingiverse

Following up on the Fittle Fish I decided to create blocks for a different animal for the #RemixChallenge. Print Settings Printer: Monoprice Select Mini Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.0875mm Layer Height , 0.4mm nozzle Infill: 25% Notes: Printed with MG Chemicals Wood filament. Some clean-up required on my print. Stringing of the wood filament and the large nozzle size made reproduction of the braille dots immensely difficult. How I Designed This Researching braille spacing and character set. I consulted the Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard (2003, ICC/ANSI A117.1) which gave some ranges for the size and spacing of braille dots. Deviating from their guidelines, I used Grade 1 lettering as this is intended as an educational toy for children. The standard called for the following dimensions: Dot base diameter: 1.5-1.6mm Distance between two dots of the same cell: 2.3-2.4mm Dot height: 0.6mm-0.9mm Domed or round shape for the dots. I went with the largest option for each dimension as this range of sizes can be difficult for hobbyist level FDM printers (like I own). Dog Shape The dog outline created as just a quick sketch on a notepad. Later I was able to import a photo of the sketch into the design to aid in the creating of the digital sketch. Dog outline sketch Fittle Fish Design elements In addition to the basic concept of multi-part braille "puzzle", I also incorporated a few specific design elements from the original Fittle Fish. Different shaped pegs on each piece. This prevents the D block from attaching to the G block. Recessed groove to denote the orientation of the braille lettering. Basic noun at a similar grade level "Flat" object. Fittle's other designs incorporate more 3-dimensionality. I feel like this works well if the braille is on the same plane (the train design), but isn't great when the braille shifts around (the car design) Dimensioning the Braille dots