Ground collector

This page was part of an MTU course MSE4777 OA and MSE4777 OB/MSE5777/EE4777/EE5777: Open-source 3-D printingPlease leave comments using the talk page. The course runs in the Fall semester. It is not open edit.Read more...

OSTAT Ground Collector

Project developed by Andy Finch

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Abstract

This ground collector is based on the nut, golf ball, tennis ball, or fruit collectors that are on the market. Simply put, a rolling cage is affixed to the end of a broom stick and is pushed across the ground. Any object that is on the ground pushes apart the wires of the cage and is trapped inside. The ground collector consists of 3D printed parts, hanger wire, dowel rods, and a broom stick. The FreeCAD Files are included in the YouMagine page so anyone can edit the files and use any size wire, dowel rod, and broom stick.

Bill of Materials

1. Provide a full BOM -- Materials needed for fabrication of device and alternative materials if they are not available, prices/sources of non-printable parts
   1. Upload and link to all source files from open source CAD
   2. Upload and link to all STLs

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
2. Glue
3. Wire Cutters
4. Saw

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

• If you used special skill – link to relevant Wikipedia or Wikiversity articles/courses

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

1. Provide directions for print/assembly - be detailed enough in your “how to” to ensure that someone could construct the device from your description. Consider the elegance of IKEA like instructions.
2. Include print time estimate
3. Include assembly time estimate
4. Including drawings or pictures of the device at stage of assembly at minimum. (http://www.appropedia.org/Special:Upload)
5. Consider video if appropriate

Common Problems and Solutions

• Include common mistakes/problems to avoid in building your OSAT and how to overcome them

Cost savings

Part Cost Total $19.62

• 30x Coat Hangers (or equivalent wire) $4.32
• 2x 5/8"-36" Dowel Rods (or equivalent stick) $8.58
• Broom Handle (or equivalent handle) $3.32
• 3D Print's Material Cost $3.40 (assuming $20/kg of PLA)

Prices for non-3D printed parts are based on the items purchased for the prototype. Recycled wire and wood could be substituted in place of store purchased items.

Commercial Equivalent

• Walmart Garden Weasel Medium Gatherer $30
• Seed and Such Nut Wizard $55
• Lehman's Nut Wizard $70

Savings

• Compared to the cheapest Walmart gather, the 3D printed ground gather brings the price down by a third.
• If recycled wood rods and wire were used in place of the purchased coat hangers and dowel rods, the price of the 3d printed ground gather could be decreased further.

Benefited Internet Communities

1. Golf
   • Golfers or driving ranges could make cheaper golf ball collects than the current ones on the market.
2. Tennis
   • Tennis players could creating their own ball collector instead of purchasing an expensive one.
3. Nut Collecting
   • Anyone with a tree that produces nuts might be interested in harvesting them, but they do not want to purchase an expensive Nut Wizard.
4. Windfall Apples
   • Apples that fall on the ground, windfall apples, can be collected and used for cider or animal feed.
5. Acorn Removal
   • Removing acorns so as not to cause accidents with lawn mowers, or remove them to prevent them from sprouting.