Picker-Upper

The project is all over and we're happy with the final results.  It was a fun journey, and I'm really happy to have had the chance to work with Summer and Jaxon on such a cool project.

Keep on Inventing!

After some more prototyping, testing and tweaking I'm happy to say that the Picker-Upper has come to life!  

While I could keep working on a few of the finer points I'm happy with the results.  It's also time to get them in the mail so they can arrive in time for the big event on May 30!

I hope Summer and Jaxon like the Picker-Upper!

(no pictures this time as I don't want to spoil the big reveal!)

After testing and making notes of what to improve, I've now completed the 3D model for Prototype #2.  I think it's getting really close now, and if it works as well as I think it will I'll be able to move onto the final design stage...making it look Amazing!  Summer gave me some great pointers and ideas for what it could look like.  This is going to be fun, and I hope Summer and Jaxon like what I come up with.

Time to get version 2 on the printer so I can test it out this weekend.

It's been an exciting few days.  I've been able to use the 3D model to make the first prototype and do some testing with actual Lego pieces!  Here's what I've learned so far:

1. The hinge mechanism works, but I'm not satisfied with it yet.  So, it will need a few tweaks to make it work really well, but I'm confident it will get there for the next prototype.

2. The Plate Popper features at the end of each arm worked on the first try!  That almost never happens.  Just a couple really minor changes here, but they get to stay for the final version.

3. The size overall is pretty good, I think.  It feels a little too small for me when I use it, which means it should be just right for Jaxon.

4. The handle spacing is a little wide, and a bit awkward to use.  I'll need to make some changes here so they sit closer together when all the way closed.  I also think I'll add some rubber loops to make it easier for Jaxon to control.

5. I added a scoop to one side of the jaws.  It was a bit of a wild idea and I'm not sure if Jaxon will find it useful, but it does create another way of picking up the smaller 2 stud pieces.  I'm going to leave it in because I think it has potential.

6. The 3D printed plastic surface of the jaws can grab Lego blocks okay, but it really needs to be squeezed tightly.  It doesn't work the best though.  I think I'll change the shape a bit, and also rubber dip it so the jaws have some more grip.  Those changes should allow Jaxon to pick up pieces with only a little bit of pressure. 

Back to design of Prototype #2.

I've been thinking through the various ideas we discussed and have started to create a first prototype design for a Lego Multi-tool.  So far, it incorporates 3 main features:

1. A plier style gripper for Jaxon to get a good grip on small parts
2. A top side block separator 
3. A bottom side block separator

I'd like to sneak in a at least one more feature, but as I'm not sure if what I have will even work yet I'm going to make this version and do some testing.  I think the design is showing good promise, but there are still some details that could prove tough to solve.

My biggest concern today is how well my 3D printer will be able to create parts that mesh well with the Lego pieces.  Lego is very precise, where 3D printers are less so.  I guess we'll find out soon enough!

After a great conversation with Summer I've been sketching out some ideas, researching how to design some features and trying to be as creative as possible.  Plenty of questions still to answer, and next up is to move these ideas into a 3D Model to get ready for the first prototype build!