Succulent Planter V2

Note: This project is unfinished. Despite my printing it and it working for a bit, there's a long way to go before it's a polished product.

I wanted my succulent to thrive on my desk, but it just couldn't get enough light. So I made this self-sufficient planter enclosure with a sleek aesthetic so my succulent could live in the same space I do.

The Nesting planter snaps out nicely with press-fit magnets, which also holds an optional integrated drip-tray. 

The LED interface and electronics are modular. The back panel hides a space for whatever electronics you would like to use, and a metal plate holds the LED lights to a cooling surface.

Design

Sketches

CAD

This model was parametrically designed in Fusion 360. The primary driving factor is the internal dimensions of the planter. This means that you can change the parameters in Fusion, and the rest of the model will update to match. 

Here's the latest version of the file if you'd like to remix it: https://a360.co/3LAtPD3

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Bill of Materials

Printed Parts

• Main Body
• Backplate
• Planter Bin
• Drip Tray (Optional)

Non-Printable Parts

• M3x10mm socket cap screws - 8pcs 
• 5mmx5mm cylinder magnets - 12pcs
• Sheet Metal (Cut to size) to fasten LEDs to
• "Neopixel" type LED strip
• Microcontroller (I used a Particle Photon for IOT functionality)

Assembly

Inserting the magnets needs the help of a vice to press them securely into the part. Try to press them partway into the hole in the print, then place them in a vice to evenly press them the rest of the way into the hole.

Future

Active Cooling

With the LEDs on for a potentially long time, I would like to upgrade from passive to active cooling. A small fan in the back with a guided airflow path would be great.

Air Pressure Mitigation

Pressing magnets and threading screws into cavities has the potential to trap and pressurize air in the area trapped behind the magnet/screw. This can make it more difficult to assemble, and potentially put some stress on the part over time. Ways for the trapped gas to escape is something I would like to take into account.

Captive Nuts

Having the M3 fasteners thread directly into the plastic works well until they are unscrewed often. embedding captive nuts is a great solution. I don’t want to use heat-set inserts because not everybody has access to them, and although captive nuts are more difficult to design, they are the more elegant solution.

Better Wiring Paths

The wiring paths in this version technically work, but aren’t as hidden as I would like. I would like to add more careful cable routing around the LED mounting plate.

Integrated Light-switch

Although I have my current planter integrated with IOT so I can switch it on/off with my phone, a physical button/switch is always nice. I’d like to hide it in a place that doesn’t interrupt the minimal aesthetic.