Wireless Apple Phone Dock

Intention

My big idea around this project was being able to keep all my devices charging and in one place. I found cable management annoying, so I wanted to have them fixed in one place. Additionally, I wanted 3D printing experience as this is something I want to pursue as a hobby in the future.

Research & Context

I was in the most part inspired to make this project by the announcement of Apple's upcoming wireless charging dock. Knowing that it would be a while off, I decided to make my own by researching the dimensions of the charger and the phone. I also wanted it to be in the shape of an apple.

Process & Procedure

Initially, I wanted this dock to support an Apple Watch and Airpods, however I soon realized that this would be nearly impossible due to the size of the dock required. I also realized that I could have this dock focus on wireless charging, so that I could simply drop my devices and not have to worry about them. Therefore, after a failed first iteration, I decided to make it a phone only dock. I also had to enlarge the phone dimensions, and the dock dimensions, as well as the space for the micro usb wire. I then used Slic3r to print the dock in multiple pieces on the bed. I then was able to glue the piece together.

Product

The final product was created using Fusion 360 and was quite similar to the initial idea of creating a multi device wireless dock.

Reflection

I learned that printing beds are much smaller than I expected! I think that in a future iteration I would have spent more time on fitting the extraneous devices onto the dock. I would have also liked to have found a way to do the whole device in one piece. I felt that the initial idea of the triple device dock was exciting, and in theory viable. However, perhaps I should have anticipated the hardware limitations and reflected those in the final design.

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Found In

2018 A3 - Project 2: Holder

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Digital Tooling (DigiTool) provides a platform for any CMU student to learn Digital Fabrication processes; all of which are very hands-on. Like these processes, this class is also very hands-on. I...more

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To create a phone dock centered on wireless qi charging