AA Battery Holder with Charge Indicator
Description
I have a box full of loose rechargable batteries. I never know which are charged and which are not, so I'm hoping printing out a few of these holders will end that problem.
Instructions
1) The small tongues that hold batteries of diameter 13.5mm to 14.5mm might not work as intended.
2) The empty/full icon on the front might not print correctly. The depth of the icon may need to be altered so it can print without support.
If you decide to try this out I'd appreciate it if you'd post success or failure below. Any improvement tips are welcome.
I've included the 123d file so you can use Autodesk 123D to tweak if necessary.
UPDATE: Tue, June 19th, 2012...
I've also included an OpenSCAD file (AABatteryHolder_v4.scad) with a few parameters that you can configure. As you can configure the battery diameter and tongue size, you should be able to print a version for any size cylindrical battery (or cylindrical thing). AABatteryHolder_v4.stl is the stl output of the scad file for AA batteries.
Descriptions of the parameters you can change are contained within the comments in the OpenSCAD file itself.
If you manage to get a working print for any size battery, please provide your parameters in the comments below.
Thank you!
UPDATE: Thurs 9th Aug, 2012...
I've uploaded AABatteryHolder_vHoffman.stl with specific alterations for afhoffman. The diameter has been scaled up for his printer and his specific battery width. The tongue intrusion and width has been reduced to hopefully encourage flex in the PLA.
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Hmm, I like the charge-orientation idea, but I don't like the small capacity and lack of latch. For example, my favorite design so far has been: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...
I like how those completely enclose, hold four batteries (rarely do you need more), and don't rattle due to the ribbing. All that said, I could definitely see printing that sort of enclosure with a bridged living hinge, and embedding a charge-orientation imprint for when batteries are taken abroad
.
Another funky option is to use ribbing-studs so the container supports 3x AA in one direction and 4x AAA in the other. (seen it once, forget where)
I'll certainly make a 4 capacity holder if someone confirms that the above design for 2 actually works. I'll also make one for AAA batteries. The living hinge sounds tricky and I'd guess would change for each printer. Have you spotted any successful living hinge designs on Thingiverse?
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This design looks like exactly what I need. I use a device that takes two rechargeable batteries and I like to carry two replacements. Hopefully I'll be able to get my printer back up and running tonight and I'll print one! Will post back.
That would be great! If you think of any improvements to the design, let me know and I'll make the changes.