This project was an experiment with what we could do with 3D printing and wearable technology. This was a group project that Austin and I created in our Wearable Technologies class and the University of Regina. Our product that we decided to focus on was recreating the design of a running armband into something that could be more useful when out on the run. Both of us use different running accessories when we are running, so this project related to us in that way.
The difference between our running band and the regular style was that we decided to place it on the forearm rather than the upper arm. This way the phone can be easily accessible instead of having to stop, turn and try to get at it. It would be similar to being able to look at a smartwatch while on the go.
The challenges of this was to create something that would be comfortable, stable and easy to use. We made sure to keep these ideas in mind when designing the project itself.
In order to create this project we had to learn how to use programs like Tinkercad. Tinkercad is a website that allows you to design 3D printed objects and then save them in order to send them to the 3D printer. This wasn’t my first time working with the software, but this was my first time creating something that wasn’t just an object to sit on the table. This object needed to be used, so the measurements had to be more accurate and actually thought about.
In order to do this properly we began taking measurements and sketching out what we wanted for our design. Here are those sketches:
The next step was to take this design and develop it in Tinkercad. So we began that process. Here are some images of the building process:
After creating this design we sent it to the 3D printer to be developed. In the meantime, we began collecting other materials that we needed to create the armband. We decided to use a cheap regular running armband accessory in order to create the straps, and the phone holder for our own project. That way we knew that these parts would fit our phones, and that we wouldn’t have to make our own straps. We ended up using two running band straps because we felt like with the location this band would be in, this would make it more stable.
Here are some more photos of the creation process once the project was out of the 3D printer, and we began to design the other components:
Finally, here is the finished product!
Overall we were both happy about the finished results of this project, and we felt that we were successful in what we wanted to do. Afterwords, the finished result also gave us ideas on what we would like to improve on, if we were to build a new model.
To see my original blog post about this project, click here
Check out Tinkercad! Click here
