Adjustable Height Dog Bowl

Client

• Name: Private Client
• Industry/Field: Pet Accessories / 3D Printing

Summary

• Objective: To design and fabricate a dog feeder that can be adjusted in height by stacking rings, making it adaptable to different dog sizes and promoting healthier feeding habits.
• Inspiration and Concept: The client requested a feeder that could be customized for each dog’s size. The concept involved creating stackable rings with an easy-to-use locking mechanism to ensure stability and adjustability.
• Challenges:
  • Designing a locking mechanism that is both secure and easy to use.
  • Ensuring the printed parts have a smooth finish with minimal support removal.
  • Balancing durability with ease of assembly.

Photos

Round Lock Design:

Final Product:

Production Process

• Materials Used:
  • 3D Printing Filament
• Tools and Technologies:
  • CAD: Used to create detailed and precise 3D models of the dog feeder and locking mechanisms.
  • Bambu Studio (Slicer): Utilized to optimize the printing process and minimize time and material usage.
• Design Steps:
  1. Measured the desired bowl dimensions.
  2. Created an initial sketch with an inverted L-shaped locking mechanism.
  3. Identified issues with the L-shaped lock during printing and support removal.
  4. Transitioned to a round-shaped lock to improve ease of support removal and finishing quality.
• Printing Steps:
  • Conducted tests to determine the ideal tolerance for the locking mechanism.
  • Used the slicer to cut and print only the necessary parts for tolerance testing.
  • Achieved a final tolerance of -0.1mm after several iterations.

Results and Client Feedback

• Final Outcome: The dog feeder was successfully fabricated with a round-shaped locking mechanism that balances strength and ease of use.
• Feedback: The client was pleased with the final product, noting its practicality and the innovative approach to solving design challenges.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• This project showcased my ability to adapt and innovate in response to design challenges.
• The transition from an L-shaped to a circle-shaped lock highlighted a critical approach to problem-solving, ensuring the product’s usability and manufacturing efficiency.
• The iterative testing process demonstrated a commitment to precision, resulting in a durable and easy-to-use product.
• This project provided valuable insights into design optimization, 3D printing, and resource management, strengthening my skills in product design and additive manufacturing.