Mechanical Counter Prototype

prusaprinters

<p>This proof of concept mechanical counter uses an internal index gear - which hides the entire mechanism.</p><p>Mix and match optional parts to construct a counter of various lengths and input styles.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/M1kdm8jpN80"></oembed></figure><p><a href="https://youtu.be/M1kdm8jpN80">https://youtu.be/M1kdm8jpN80</a></p><h3>Customization</h3><p><strong>Input Method</strong></p><ul><li>Number Wheel: Rotate the right most number wheel directly.</li><li>Control Wheel: A wheel with a textured grip that increments the counter once per full rotation.</li><li>Combination Wheel: A wide wheel with both numbers and a textured grip.</li><li>Input Gear: a small gear that meshes directly to the first number wheel that can be driver with a motor.</li></ul><p><strong>Core</strong></p><p>The core is available in both bolted and glue versions. For longer builds, the bolt version is recommended to keep parts aligned.</p><p><strong>Number length</strong></p><p>This counter has been successfully tested at up to 7 digits (9.9 million). Your results may vary. Each gear has a small amount of free movement - this can add up to a subtle misalignment for the current number.</p><h3>Printing</h3><p>All parts can be printed without supports.</p><p>This project requires very accurate printing with minimal-to-no elephant foot, curling, or over extrusion.</p><p>Print and test fit a single layer (gear, number ring, and core) to make sure these parts fit before printing any more layers</p><h3>Assembly</h3><p><strong>Bolt version</strong></p><ul><li>Do not overtighten each section.</li><li>Use long 3mm bolts or threaded rod</li><li>Bolt length should be at least 16mm * (digit count + 2)</li></ul><p>Assemble each layer of the counter so that the index gear is is right between 0 and 9 on the wheel. This will allow you to test advancing the next digit.</p><p>See the video above for a full assembly.</p><h3>Can I sell copies of this?</h3><p>Yes! This project was shared under the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons - Attribution</a> license.</p><p>This license allows selling copies, but you must provide proper attribution, as detailed in the license itself.</p><p>Please note that any other projects linked here (remixes or related projects) may have a different license. Please respect those licenses.</p><p><a href="https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/best_practices_for_attribution">Click here for attribution examples</a></p>