MakerBot Clean Air
A filter system for MakerBot Method series.
MakerBot Clean Air is a collaborative team project with contribution from the entire MakerBot team.
Filter replacement
Change the filters with ease!
HEPA filter + Carbon filter gives the user a peace of mind (and lack of odor) during long duration prints.
MakerBot Clean Air can be monitored through the UI display on the Method series.
Production version
Final product after rounds of DFM and cosmetic review.
Process:
Initial form explorations
Through a series of emission testing, the team determine that the filter needs to be placed slightly above the Method lid for effective filtration. The next step involves exploring potential forms for the exterior filter housing.
Chosen form
This design was chosen to be further explored since it blends well with the form of the Method. Below are some part count explorations for this design.
Simplification
The previous iterations require too many parts and have a relatively complex filter changing experience.
The design is simplified into two main modular parts. The team later decided to change the round filter to a rectangular one for emission reasons.
Quick mock up render to show part count:
Filter change
Option 1: magnetically attach
The top housing would snap to the clear housing magnetically through 4 sets of magnets. A strip of sheet metal will be glued to the clear housing. The filter is sandwiched in between the gap between the two. This was the selected option ultimately.
Option 2: pivot lock
The top housing would feature a filter cover that can pivot. The user would have to take off the entire housing to insert the filter.
Option 3: turn lock
Top housing features 4 rotating locks that keeps the filter in place. The user would need to remove the entire housing to access.
Top housing form exploration
Magnetically attach emerged as the best experience for filter change. For the next step, we explored some form options for the top housing.
USB, Power, connectivity placement.
Ports placement was also explored during the top housing development process.
Top enclosure screwed to the bottom enclosure
Housing with over molded magnets
Metal strip/magnets glued to the clear piece
Thermal/Vacuum formed lid
Single rubber mold piece glued to the clear lid
Filter change illustrated in Solidworks assembly.
Testing printed prototype.
Printed prototypes
Prototypes were printed to test the interaction for changing the filter.
Above: older version. Below: Final version