Arcade Coin Bank Design Project
Final Sketch
This is my detailed sketch for the arcade cabinet. I outlined how I would make each part, as well as general dimensions for each. this drawing was the basis for how I formed the final design. I ended up having to change a few things to make the cabinet functional, such as adding snap fits to both the button and joystick. These snap fits were required to 3D print the pieces separate and then fit them together. I also added a plastic spring for the button to press down on and come back up.
Initial Sketches
These are my four concept sketches for the coin bank design project. My initial ideas were a watermelon, arcade cabinet, gumball machine, and coin track. The watermelon would've had a slice you pull out to retrieve the coins. The gumball machine would've had a door with a track in which the coins spiral down. The coin track would've had a spiral track for the coins to roll down.Â
I ended up deciding on the arcade cabinet because it was the most visually appealing and you could interact with the controls.
The Design
For the arcade cabinet, I made a profile and then shelled the design to allow coins to fit inside. I made the slot able to fit up to half-dollars, as requested. To remove the coins I created a plug that you could twist off and on, as shown below:
Threads were used to catch the little plastic pieces on the plug. After peer review, it was suggested to make little bumps with enough clearance to catch the plug so that it would not slip out.
The joystick was created using snap fits to 3D print both pieces and then snap the joystick into the hole. This allows the joystick to move freely and to make the bank more interesting.
The button was also created using snap fits so that the piece could fit in after 3D printing. However, in order to achieve the press of the button, a spring was created out of plastic that would be flexible enough to push the button back up when pressed.
Reflection
This design project was ultimately a success. The CAD design came together really nicely and the pieces moved as desired. After peer review, I modified the plug threads to allow it to twist over a bump and help hold it in place. The prototype was printed and needed only one tweak to make it work. The joystick moved around and the plug fit in the bottom. The button needed tweaked because the snap fits were too small, so a single hook was added to the back, which made it functionally press on the designed "spring."