MechVault: Sci-Fi Mechanical Storage Box

MechVault – A Mechanical Sci-Fi Storage Box

I designed and modeled the MechVault from scratch, and while it may not be the most practical storage box out there, I hope it’s one of the coolest things you’ll ever print!

The design is inspired by futuristic architecture, almost like a sci-fi bastion or building. It’s got a little bit of a Star Wars vibe, too, so hopefully, you'll enjoy those subtle touches.

If you're interested in giving it a try, check out the demo and assembly instructions in the video below:

Importante note:

• Mostly easy to print, support also easy to remove. No major issue during my print.
• The small sticks sometimes could have larger ends due to print quality issue. So make sure it can be inserted into gear holes before glue.
• Magnets are optional. I use D5mm x 2mm round magnets I bought from Bambu Store. The holes for magnets are added as “negative part” in Bambu Studio. Meaning you can config the magnets pocket size if you have different size magnets. 

If you couldn't open the Youtube video for assembly instruction, I have simplified assembly instruction gifs below.  Sorry for the image quality, due to limit size of gif files.

Demo:

• Door open sequence and timing can be adjusted!

Assembly:

1. There are four levels, and each level has same steps. First glue gear shaft to the plate.

• Install gear base

• glue stick to the drive gear. The stick drives the “special” gear

• Install the drive gear onto the shaft. Pay attention to orientation. The two gears should mirror each other.

• Install the special gears. Pay attention to the orientation. There is a 45 degree orientation for the walls on the gear.

• Install the plate onto base. 

• Install doors. First level marked “00” on left door.

• repeat steps for all other 3 levels.

• Wiggle the long pillar gear to the bottom. Then open all the door. 

• While all doors opened, remove the pillar gear. Now we tune the drive gears in each level to tune the timing for door open and close. The timing of door open/close depends on when the sticks on the drive gear hit and drive the special gear. Tune the position until they open/close in order for each level, or any fashion you like! You will get a sense of it once you begin to tune.
• To make it a useful storage box, each door needs to close/open completely before next door close/open. So that each of the storage compartment can be accessible. However, you could also tune each door close/open quickly following the last one, which looks smooth and cool! Like in the demo image! I like it to be cool and less practical : )

• Install top panel, knob, and optionally, magnets. Magnets give it a click sound when door closed. But it is not necessary.