Garbage Disposal Cap

Background:

The company InSinkErator is known for its kitchen garbage disposal line of products. They sell product contains on of two types of on/off switches; a wall switch & a magnetic drain cap switch. This model replaces the magnetic cap on/off switch. The magnet array is orientated such that the switch is activated every 180 deg [2x per revolution]. Normal operation is to turn the cap to turn on, then turn again to turn off. These caps, which are extremely expensive to replace [$70.00ea], wear out and expose the magnets making it almost impossible to turn. This design replaces this OEM product.

Model:

This version of the design focuses more on making it “look” like the original OEM part rather than completely optimizing the design for 3d printing. Because of this there are some supports to remove and the amount of material used is not fully optimized, but still relatively easy to post print process. The picture below of the old cap vs this reverse engineered version. Below is a picture showing the OEM cap and the 3d printed cap.

Build:

 IMPORTANT:  Magnet orientation is critical for the cap to activate the disposal. Whether you salvage the magnets from the original cap [which is what I did] or you purchase new magnets the pole configuration is crucial.

The cap contains 4 magnets which are not evenly spaced so take note of both the pole and the placement of the magnets. 

• Use a disk or flat shaped magnet for pole orientation. Clearly mark one of the poles, which pole is irrelevant it just needs to be marked with a permanent marker. 
• Using this marked magnet place it on one of the original cap magnets. Record the orientation the marked magnet attaches.  
• Repeat this method for the other three magnets. 

Note: Due to the critical aspect I have included a model which holds the magnets and can be placed in the disposal and turned to confirm it is working correctly.

The gcode attached has a pause placed at the point to insert the magnets. It is highly recommended that the magnets be held in place using using cyanoacrylate or equivalent adhesive.

It’s time to print!     Have fun!