Duplo compatible marble pump

thingiverse

Did you already have fun with the duplo marble run (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:159219)? Then you are ready for much more fun and challenge! Extend your marble run with a marble pump inspired by the great work of Matthias Wandel (http://woodgears.ca/marbles/lifter.html). Push up marbles using the lever. (No motor.) The drop-block mechanism prevents the marbles from falling back. Please read the instructions. OpenSCAD files are included. See marble pump in action:http://youtu.be/2z1Rwl-ASx4http://youtu.be/mFvod_YRR_w Instructions You'll need ... Many Marbles (I used 12.7 mm steel marbles). Since in action the pipe above is filled with marbles, you'll need enough to fill the pipe. Two simple elastic rubber bands. A M3 screw (ca. 15 mm long). (Optionally an M3 nut, but typically not needed.) (There is also a base that doesn't need a screw.) A small file to make the drop-block slide in easily. After printing the base, lid, lever and drop-block put it all together. The longer drop-block is for smaller marbles. (12.7 mm, 1/2 ") The shorter drop-block is for larger marbles. (up to 15 mm) Check if the drop-block slides in the slot easily. Otherwise use the file to open the slot a bit. Attach a rubber band that pulls the drop-block back when pushed out. Use a 3 mm screw as lever axis. (On one side the hole is smaller, which typically makes a nut unnecessary.) Attach a rubber band through the loop on the base that pulls the lever back, after pushing it down. (See foto. Before attaching the lever put the rubber band twice through the loop and attach it on the two nobs.) Test the marble pump before putting on the lid. If everything works fine, print as many pipe pieces as you like. Also recommended is the top pipe piece to send your marbles in a certain direction. And the tapering ramp piece which helps to prevent marbles getting stuck when entering the side hole. If your marbles are too small and slip back, then print a longer drop block. Have fun.