Ratcheting Squeeze Fan

What makes this squeeze fan unique?
This squeeze fan uses a printed ratchet and spring to allow the fan blade to spin (mostly) freely without forcing the movement of the squeeze handle.

All parts are 3d printed, except for two M3 screws and one nut.

While experimenting with ratchets, I realized that printing them in TPU resulted in much quieter rotation. As such, there is a TPU ratchet version included in the files. There is also a weaker and stronger version of the ratchet (number of “arms”). If the ratchet skips, print the stronger one.

All (other) parts printed in PLA, but I would recommend PETG for more durability. 

Print 3 x Peg, 1 of everything else.

Inner ratchet piece I recommend you print with supports. No other parts should need supports, although you could for the screw hole in the Bottom Frame.

Infill: I used 10%, higher should be fine.

M3 Hardware:

• 1 x 20mm Screw
• 1 x ≤ 15mm Screw
• 1 x Nut

Assembly: (suggested order)

• Insert axle upward into bottom frame
• Insert the two middle pegs
• Ratchet gears onto peg
• Middle gear onto peg
• End gear onto axle
• Handle spring (Make sure the spiral is pointing downward, or the outer corner of the spiral facing right so the teeth line up)
• Peg for handle
• Handle (Place between gears in extended position)
• Top frame
• Screw and nut through spring hole
• Fan
• Screw through fan into axle

Tight and loose tolerance versions coming soon!