Know How... 246

We've been modifying and perfecting the AquaVase project, and in this episode we go over the details of the skirt top assembly.

Project Overview

We're going to create the assembly that goes on the top of the vase and holds it to the risers, then assemble the entire project.

Parts List

1. 3D Printed Parts
2. Silicone Sealant
3. Airpump/Stone
4. Aluminum Square Tube

Tools List

1. 3D Printer
2. Clamps

Segment Summary

We're designing the three parts that will become the top assembly of our Aquavase

Interesting Design Features of the AquaVase Top Assembly

1. The Cap and the Shelf will be joined by silicone sealant
2. The Skirt will cover the gap between the Cap and the Shelf, and join the assembly to the risers

Procedure:

The Cap

1. Import "a1_aquavase_cap_shell.stl"
2. Import "a2_aquavase_cap_MidSupport.stl"
3. Import "a3_aquavase_cap_supportspars.stl"
4. Import "a4_aquavase_cap_MainVoid.stl"
5. Use "Inspector" to turn a4 into "Hole"
6. Import "a5_aquavase_cap_airvoid.stl"
7. Use "Inspector" to turn a5 into "Hole"
8. Move a5 50mm to the left (Use 'Shift + Left Arrow' x 5)
9. Move a5 20mm up (Use 'Shift + Up Arrow' x 2)

The Shelf

1. Import "b1_aquavase_shelf_shell.stl"
2. Import "b2_aquavase_shelf_MainVoid.stl"
3. Use "Inspector" to turn b2 into a "Hole"
4. Import "b3_aquavase_shelf_airvoid.stl"
5. Use "Inspector" to turn b3 into a "Hole"
6. Move b3 50mm to the left (Use 'Shift + Left Arrow' x 5)
7. Move b3 20mm up (Use 'Shift + Up Arrow' x 2)

The Skirt

1. Import "c1_aquavase_skirt.stl"
2. Import "c2_aquavase_skirt_Void.stl"
3. Use "Inspector" to turn c2 into "Hole"
4. Import "c3_aquavase_skirt_risers.stl"
5. Import "c4_aquavase_skirt_risers_voids.stl"
6. Use "Inspector" to turn c4 into "Hole"
7. Import "c5_aquavase_skirt_sidevoids.stl"
8. Use "Inspector" to turn c5 into "Hole"
9. Raise c5 by 3mm

All STL Files can be found at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9042212/KH243_AquaVase_TopAssembly.zip

Segment Summary

Let's put together the top assembly and start integrating it with the other Aquavase components.

Top Assembly Procedure:

1. Add a thin layer of silicone sealant to the mating surfaces of the cap and shelf
2. Line up the airholes of the cap and shelf
3. Slide the skirt over the gap between the cap and shelf to align them
4. Using the clamps, seal the cap to the shelf and the skirt (The excess silicone should squeeze out between the cap and shelf.)
5. Let the assembly sit for an hour.

Electronics Integration:

1. Solder lenghts of silicone wire to the power leads of the base and LED array
2. Solder Connectors to each of the component that require power

• The base (Arduino)
• The Grow Lights
• The Full Spectrum lights

System Integration:

1. Run the air tubing though the air hole in the Top Assembly
2. Attach an air stone to the side of the tubing that is under the cap
3. Attach the other side of the tubing to the air pump
4. Add the alumium risers to the base
5. Insert the vase into the base
6. Slide the skirt down the risers and over the vase
7. Slide the LED assemble over the risers.

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Links

• J-B Weld 31310 Clear All-Purpose RTV Silicone
• Pet Magasin Aquarium Air Pump
• Aluminum Square Tube
• TEKTON 39180 Mini 6-Inch by 1.5-Inch Ratchet Bar Clamp
• All STL Files