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Desk Helping Hand System

1. Overview

This document outlines the design and construction of a modular "helping hand" system to be mounted on a desk. The goal is to create a versatile and customizable tool for various tasks such as soldering, crafting, and holding small objects.

2. Goals

  • Modularity: Easily swap out different "heads" or end-effectors for different tasks.
  • Customizability: Leverage 3D printing to create custom parts and attachments.
  • Stability: Ensure the system is stable and can securely hold objects.
  • Reach and Flexibility: The arms should have a good range of motion.
  • Aesthetics: The system should have a clean and organized look.

3. Design Considerations

3.1. Mounting System: Hybrid Approach

We will implement a hybrid system:

  • Left Side: A railway system for a highly flexible arm. This is ideal for tasks requiring frequent repositioning.
  • Right Side: A static mounted system for a very stable arm. This is suited for holding heavier objects or for tasks where rigidity is key.

This approach combines the flexibility of a railway with the stability of a fixed mount, offering a versatile solution.

3.2. Arm Design

The arms connect the mounting system to the end-effectors.

  • Material:
    • 3D Printed: PLA, PETG, or ABS for strength. Can be designed for specific needs (e.g., channels for wires).
    • Flexible Metal Arms (Gooseneck): Can be purchased and adapted. Offers good flexibility but can be less rigid.
    • Articulated Arms: Using segments and joints (like Loc-Line or similar 3D printed versions) for maximum posability.

3.3. End-Effectors (Heads)

The "business end" of the helping hand. These should be designed to be easily swappable.

  • Soldering:
    • Alligator clips for holding PCBs and wires.
    • Silicone covers for clips to prevent damage.
  • Magnification & Lighting:
    • A mount for a magnifying glass.
    • An integrated LED ring light.
  • Device Holding:
    • A clamp or holder for a smartphone or small tablet.
  • General Purpose:
    • Padded clamps for delicate objects.
    • Small trays for holding components like screws.
  • Specialized Tools:
    • Fume extractor fan mount.
    • Holder for a small camera (e.g., for recording work).

4. Materials and Components

This is a preliminary list of potential materials.

  • 3D Printer Filament: PETG is a good candidate for its strength and ease of printing.
  • Fasteners: An assortment of M3, M4, M5 screws, nuts, and bolts.
  • Aluminum Extrusions: If going with the railway system.
  • Gooseneck Arms: If not printing articulated arms.
  • Alligator Clips, Magnifying Glass, LED lights: To be integrated into the heads.

5. Next Steps

  • Decide on the mounting system (Railway vs. Static).
  • Sketch initial designs for the chosen system.
  • Model a prototype of one arm and a simple head (e.g., alligator clip) in CAD software.
  • 3D print and test the prototype.
  • Refine the design based on testing.

6. Design Sketches

Below are text-based sketches to conceptualize the layout.

6.1. Overall Desk Layout

Updated sketch based on the provided photo. The railway will be on the back-left, and the static mount on the front-right.

      +------------------------------------------------------+
      |                                                      |
      |                      MONITOR                         |
      |                                                      |
      +------------------------------------------------------+

      <-- 3D Printed Railway -->
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                    |
| Clamp-[.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._..]-Clamp           |
|       |                                                            |
|      / \                                                           | Static
|     /   \                                                          | Mount
|    Arm                                                            o-o-o
|                                                                    |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
                        (Front of Desk)

6.2. Railway System Detail

  • Rail: A fully 3D-printed rail system. This will likely be a modular design, with interlocking segments that can be printed and assembled to the desired length. We'll need to design this for rigidity to prevent sagging.
  • Clamps: 3D printed, robust clamps to secure the rail segments to the back-left of the desk.
  • Slider: A 3D printed piece designed to slide smoothly along the custom printed rail.
  • Arm Mount: The helping arm will attach to this slider.

6.3. Static Mount Detail

  • Base: A heavy-duty, 3D printed clamp attached to the front-right edge of the desk.
  • Arm Mount: The base will have a socket or threaded insert to securely hold the arm. Could be a ball joint for some flexibility at the base.

7. Inspiration & Sources

A collection of projects and videos that can provide inspiration and technical solutions for our design.

  1. Mech Arm Railway System: https://www.printables.com/model/1027107-mech-arm-railway-system - A comprehensive railway system that could be a great reference for our flexible side.
  2. Multitool Third Arm: https://www.printables.com/model/840147-multitool-third-arm - Features a modular head system.
  3. Multifunction Arm Mounting System: https://www.printables.com/model/165239-multifunction-arm-mounting-system - Good example of a static, multi-arm base.
  4. Flexible & Sturdy Phone Arm (100% Printed): https://www.printables.com/model/647794-flexible-sturdy-phone-arm-100-printed - Interesting design for a fully 3D printed, flexible arm.
  5. DIY Helping Hands for Electronics: https://youtu.be/gMAh_ZKRNnQ?si=vTbE2JESTNDXHsCN - Video with practical tips and ideas.
  6. Mechanical Arm Holder System: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1183365-mechanical-arm-holder-system#profileId-1194002 - Another modular system with good design elements.

https://youtu.be/p0CqYqixMZY?si=XBAvPA2v546uwQ1- https://youtu.be/p0CqYqixMZY?si=GBJsdt9wf_fq_v19