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Funnel

First prototype

A first prototype was built and installed before the fabacademy.

In this version, the entry grid and the funnel are a single 3D-printed part. It's easy to manufacture. It only take a long time to print (almost 12 h).

The funnel is attached to the PVC tube with four screws.

Its installation teaches us several things:

  • The fixation procedure was validated. I wasn't directly involved in this part of the project, but it was the main objctive of this first prototype
  • 3D-printed ABS is not biofouling-proof: fouling appears on the funnel in a matter of days. We need an anti-fouling strategy
  • The screw assembly between the funnel and the PVC tube is difficult to perform underwater.

Anti-fouling improvement

The classical anti-fouling method is to use anti-fouling paint.

It can be applied to our funnel without any complication.

Assembly with the PVC tube

The first prototype was difficult to assemble under water, mainly due the screw systems:

  • The screw holes on the two pieces have to be aligned
  • Even with the "screw handles", the screwing is not easy with dive gloves

Hence, I completely change the assembly solution in the next version:

I modify the funnel bottom and add a thread to it. Hence, it can be screwed in another part.

This second part is designed to be glued on the PVC tube. It has a hole that fit the collector tube's diameter.
The idea is that it centers the collector tube's top.

The funnel will hold the collector tube in place when screwed in place.

Assembly with the disk dispenser

The disc dispenser is placed inside the funnel.

I immediately thought of using a web-like structure to suspend the dispenser. this structure could be attached to the grid or to the funnel.

I decided to attach it to the funnel as it's more sturdy than the grid.

I also wanted the all system to be modular and easy to (dis)assemble.

This chain of thoughts leads me to split the funnel in two parts that will hold the dispenser in place.

These two parts will assemble with a bayonet mount.

Col

Col

On the left picture, we can see the slot at the top of the funnel's bottom part.

The top part has two "pegs" at the bottom of its inside face that will go in that slot.