Are you in search of an advanced project with large printed parts, gears, and electronics? Why not print your own pet feeding device? I embarked on this journey to create a detailed and highly customizable device for feeding your pets efficiently while engaging in a fun build process.
Design Rationale
The primary focus of this project was to design a mechanical device that offers a sense of customization and adaptability. This pet feeding device operates on a simple yet efficient principle. By filling dry food or treats into its multiple compartments, the turntable rotates at a specific time, directing the food through an output funnel into your pet’s bowl. This can be a great solution if you’re not home during feeding times or need your pet’s meals to be spaced throughout the day.
I incorporated sensors into each compartment to enable the programming of the device simply by placing food into them. Here’s an example of how it might work:
- The first compartment could be set for food when you are at work, dispensing at 2 pm.
- The second compartment could dispense at 8 pm if you’re working late.
Sensors allow you to fill respective compartments to effectively “program” when the device should dispense, preventing unnecessary rotation of the turntable and aligning with your pet’s specific routine.
Mechanical Design Specifications
To bring this idea to life, the design uses the following mechanical components:
- M3 screws (various sizes) for assembling parts.
- Ball bearings (6200 10×30×9 mm and 16004 20×42×8 mm) for a smooth, reliable rotation.
- A NEMA 17 stepper motor, which is compatible with most setups, to drive the turntable.
Dimensions
The largest printed part is 180 × 196 mm, so ensure your printer bed can accommodate this size. As for materials, PETG is ideal for most components due to its durability, but PLA should be used for parts where extra stiffness is required.
