3D Printed Motorized Gear Heart Headpiece

I was inspired by the design from Emmett's "Three Heart Gears" (5-6) https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:243278/files. I started this project with a simple print of that in order to get a good understanding of the original size of the device and the way in which it moves.

I downloaded the .stl file and use a 3d printing app such as Cura to create a .gcode render for the Creality CR-10 to print with. https://www.creality3d.shop/collections/3d-printer... . I used this recommended PLA for the prototype https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J0ECR5I/ref=p... .

I then exported the model, with zero infill, to the micro-SD card to get the new render to the printer and start the first prototype.

I used a Creality CS-10, which prints with 1.75mm PLA.

There were no instructions on which pieces go where, so I took a moment to understand how the pieces best fit together. The two smaller components on the front facing side are mirrored in placement on the back. Then the top, sides, and bottom are all specific to their placement. I would need to have a hole in the bottom pointed piece in order to manipulate movement in the center of the heart, which is what the other pieces rotate around.

Once I realized what I'd need to make this piece with the base and middle rod, I did some hunting to see if someone else had already done that work before. I was lucky enough to find the exact edits that I needed from TobyTetzi123's "Geard Heart, Motorized Edition, Version III" in order to make a motorized headpiece. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3144066

I used meshmixer to combine the parts from Emmett's and Toby's 3d models, as well as to create a hole in Toby's middle rod to fit the shaft of the motor into. I used this tutorial to learn how to do that...

Then I printed a new print using a PLA that would be closer to the color scheme that I want. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V6F6SY2/ref=p...

I have created a new file of my final 3d model edits. I resized the print to 165% of the original size, and realizing the strength wasn't up to par, I upped the infill to 35%; all from inside the Cura app. My final 3d model is linked here.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4347797

I initially prototyped in consideration for the motor that comes with the Elegoo starter kit found here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D8KOZF4/ref=... but once I realise that motor wasn't strong enough to spin a sturdier print of this heart with more infill I used a soldering iron to make the hole slightly larger in order to fit this stronger motor found here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FVKD5T8/ref=p...

Just connect the motor using this 6V external battery pack for power.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081F4YCWD/ref=p...

I used a tubular headband, a glue gun, alligator clips, scissors, and a small tupperware with lid that I acquired at the Denver local, black owned and operated restaurant, Genna Rae's. I had stopped there to get some catfish, greens, and banana pudding.

1. glue the bottom of the tupperware to the headband

2. cut a hole in the bottom of the side of the tupperware

3. wired my alligator clips through

4. connect clips them to the motor

5. hot glue a ring around the motor to secure it in the center of the tupperware, making sure not to get glue in the center of motor

6. cut hole in the center of the lid, and place fasten the lid onto the base. Do not hot glue together, in the event that you need to alter your electronics

7. hot glue the head piece onto the lid, while aligning the hole in the headpiece with the motor's appendage.

8. cut the inside seam of the headband

9. slide external power source (battery pack) and extra wires neatly into the tube of the headband. On/Off switch is accessible by feeling it through the fabric.

Checkout the finished result below on my vlog, The TwirchShop. The Link to the youtube page will be posted here,... but for now the prototype video is linked below.

If you found this inspiring or useful, please donate what you think it is worth to my paypal.me/TwirlingGoddess, venmo @Twirling-Goddess, cash app $TwirlingGoddess, or the vlog's gofundme which will be linked here... Help cover the time of design as well as invest in the production of future episodes.

Thanks, Enjoy!

LeeLee, the Twirling Tech Goddess