3D Printing: Back Button Assembly with Fan Vent

[chiz]

As some of you know, I'm currently in search of a solution for cooling down my GB Pi2. Also, as I'm testing the re-used shoulder buttons in the back of my GB Pi2, I feel that it could still be improved, particularly ergonomics.

Combining the a solution for the two (2) needs, I came up with this -- back button assembly with vent. This assembly will allow additional 4 buttons in the back in a slanted position for better ergonomics plus a vent for a cooling fan. This should require minimal modding in the case to bore a hole for the fan and 1 to 2 small holes for the wires to connect to the buttons.

The Pi Zero might not need the cooling but one can still get benefit from the slanted back buttons

[RazorX]

look forward to seeing the real thing

[Hathe]

Ever hear of the pocketchip? While not 100% related, the idea of simply plugging in your pi to your project (like a cartridge or similar) or simply attaching a 3d printed dpad is really cool. It would be awesome to see more ideas along what you've come up with for the gameboy zero world. What's especially cool is adding more buttons to the very limited space of a DMG gameboy.

https://getchip.com/pages/pocketchip

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1644139/#made

[jlane52641]

Awesome, fantastic and phenomenal are words that don't come close - but are along the same lines - of how great I think your idea/creation is Chiz!

[chiz]

@RazorX
Will have this in my 2nd build and will post progress once I start with it.

@Hathe
Interesting board... I have not heard about it until you mentioned it.

@jlane52641
Glad that you liked the idea. I will post more details of my progress so others can follow and use it too.

[chiz]

Played around the design a bit to check for feasibility and 3d print-ability and here's what I came up with. It would be more difficult to 3D print the entire assembly if the button casing is connected to the fan vent as a single piece so I decided to design it as separate parts. This way, one will need to only print the button casing if the vent isn't needed. However, with the current design, this will require supports during printing no matter which orientation it's printed.

Here's an exploded model of the assembly showing the 3D printed part, tactile buttons, PCB and screws. I feel that 4 screws for each button casing is overkill though. I'll revise to see if 2 screws for each should be enough.

[Fleder]

Really great idea, chiz!
I would be interested in a 2 button version without the fan,
or something that replaces the battery cover and could be clipped in like the old one.

[chiz]

@Fleder
I thought of putting the buttons in the battery cover. However, I feel that area is too low for the index and middle fingers to reach.

[Fleder]

@Fleder
I thought of putting the buttons in the battery cover. However, I feel that area is too low for the index and middle fingers to reach.

Yes, but i thought about using the little fingers/pinky.
I am not sure how this will feel during real gameplay, though.
Well, just an idea

[Robots86]

Great idea chiz and excellent work on design