This ended up on I WANT THAT! and won Editor’s Choice in Cat Fancy.
That wasn’t the goal, it was the result of building, testing, fixing, and shipping something real.
I still think about that process every time I design something new.
This was self-shot and unpolished.
But it worked and that was the only thing that mattered.
From sketch → concept → shelf-ready.
Seeing the finished package felt surreal.
Early packaging concept.
Before dielines, finishes, or production constraints. Just working out how the story should feel on the shelf.
Early packaging experiments.
Before vendors, dielines, or polish... just figuring out how to protect it, hang it, and ship it by hand.
Seeing the logo on the physical toy made it real.
Sketches and CAD are one thing, holding the first finished unit is something else entirely.
Before the mechanics were finished, the identity had to feel right.
Solid state batteries have been coming along for sooo long now. GLAD a manufacturing giant has actually jumped on cutting edge!
Taking a pause before the next phase.
Merry Christmas 🎄
The system needed to run on its own,
but the toy still needed to work anytime.
Detachable wasn’t optional. It was the point.
#Engineering #Design
Fantastic motion. Well done!
This was the point where everything had to line up.
Motor placement isn’t just about fit, it defines load paths, noise, vibration, and long-term reliability.
Once this bracket was right, the rest of the system stopped arguing with itself.
#Engineering #Design
This pivot arm failed quietly at first.
Plastic-on-plastic binding didn’t show up immediately, only after use.
Nylon washers fixed it.
Design teaches patience.
Never knew this was a thing but makes sense. When things are so well engineered you dont even see the problems they solved...very cool.
Would love something like this. Not sure if I could deal with 2-ton problems though!
I pulled boxes out recently with a bunch of old projects. Going over the past with a fresh set of ideas and iterations is rewarding. Good luck!
I dont horde, but keeping every cable is my weakness!
This pair solved the motion problem. Everything else simplified after that.
Once the motion was resolved, the enclosure could be simplified.
This was about reducing bulk, supporting the mechanism, and letting the geometry follow the function.
This escalates fast 😅 At that point you’re basically designing a compact multi-media bulkhead. Independent seals + strain relief for the wires would probably make or break it.
I dont know...love fireballs...but might love capacitors more 😍.
Once the motion worked,
the shape could finally relax.
This sketch wasn’t about mechanics.
It was about keeping play optional, personal, and detachable.
Even when the rest of the system evolved.
I thought it was an ant farm at first glance.
Thought this was a USB-C port and an audio jack. Is this a restoration you are doing or a mod?
Love learning the basics of everything. Curiosity is underrated.
Once the load was gone, everything moved freely.
This direction stuck.
Reminds me visually of the Nintendo Virtural Boy.
Dont know what that is...but point me in the credit card throwing direction! Or save me time/money :).
Id love to see the the device that does this...keep going!
