Rain chain: Difference between revisions

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...

Rain Chain

Project developed by [hpgetsch|hpgetsch]

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Abstract

1. I have created a rain chain for gutters of houses. I have seen these used on houses before when a gutter continuously overflows and water puddles up in bad places. The rain chain directs the water down the chain from the spout and can be collected into a bucket or place where a puddle is okay to form. This is used as an alternative to a downspout. They were originally created in Japan but many home owners prefer these over downspouts because of the look.
2. Picture of completed print using your printer

   

Bill of Materials

Provide a full BOM --

1. 1 T-bar
2. 3 Chain links per cup
3. 1 Cup
4. 2 Split rings
5. 1 Metal bob
6. 1 String

There are four files needed for this:

https://www.youmagine.com/designs/rain-chain

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

• No Skill needed for this OSAT

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

BOM

1 T-bar 3 Chain links per cup 1 Cup 2 Split rings 1 Metal bob 1 String

Instructions-

1. Drill two holes in the end of the gutter for the t-bar to hang.
2. Take one of the chain links and clip it onto the circle part of the t-bar.
3. Clip one chain link onto the one attached to the t-bar.
4. Clip one last chain link onto the previous chain link.
5. Clip the last chain link onto the top loop on the cup.
6. To add more cups, add three chain links in a row onto the bottom loop then add a cup and repeat.
7. Once rain chain is to appropriate length, a weight may need to be added onto the bottom with string and a metal bob.

Print time estimate

1. T-bar: 15 min
2. Chain link:3 min
3. Cup:2 hr 21 min
4. Ring: 7 min

1. Assembly time: About 3 hours to print the chain with 1 cup down.
2. Pictures of the Assembly can be found here: (https://www.youmagine.com/designs/rain-chain)

Common Problems- The rings can sometimes come apart if they side around. It may be beneficial to glue the rings shut. Also the cups do not always want to sit upright. If you glue the inside rings to the cup, they will stay attached and make the cup stay upright to catch the water.

Cost savings

1. Print cost: $8
2. Commercial semi equivilent rain chain [1]
3. $39 savings and %83 savings

Benefited Internet Communities

• Architecture Art Designs [2]
• The Garden Glove [3]
• Garden Lovers Club [4]
• Pretty Handy Girl.com [5]
• DIY and Crafts [6]

References

None.