Clutch for Squeeze fan 3D model thumbnail

Clutch for Squeeze fan

by felixlamb · via Printables
FormatSTL
CategoryGadgets
LicenseCC BY-NC
Triangles15.4k
UploadedJul 26, 2023
⬇ 200 downloads ❤ 25 likes 👁 1.6k views

Description

Hey! This is my first model. It combines the penultimate gear (the one before the hex gear the fan sits on) with a clutch mechanism. In theory, this allows the fan to freewheel, without all of the remaing gears and squeeze trigger being constantly engaged. In practice, this works… sort of. Well, it does work, but it's not very efficient. The issue is the clutch (unlike the other gears) can't be lubricated, otherwise there won't be enough friction for it to consistently engage/disengage when required, so you suffer from some friction losses. Additionally, too much “squeeze” pressure will make the clutch slip, as it's only made of plastic. Also, as the trigger doesn't move with the fan anymore, it's a bit more challenging to time the “squeeze”, so sometimes you end up squeezing and sending the gears the wrong way, which just slips the clutch. It needs some sort of auto-return system, to a) return the trigger to the right position where it can be squeezed again and b) make it more difficult for the trigger squeeze to spin the gears the wrong way. The higher combined flywheel mass of the gears and squeeze trigger (i.e. the original design) may actually result in the fan being able to spin for longer, compared to using the clutch mechanism. I haven't timed it, though, as this was really more a proof of concept. Would be interesting to see if/how people are able to adapt this and improve on it.
gear gears fan cooling cog clutch squeeze cogs

Originally published on Printables