This is a research and development initiative project that focuses on designing a modular book cradle that can be fabricated in-house. The design accommodates books of varying dimensions, eliminating the need for engaging external vendors for custom stands, thereby reducing labor costs and material waste.
Purpose of Project
This project aims to address a longstanding challenge in the fields of museum curation, exhibition design, and display solutions. One of the recurring issues involves the replacement of book displays with new collections, each requiring custom-made stands due to the unique dimensions of individual books. The frequent redesign and fabrication of book cradles result in material waste, labor inefficiencies, and increased costs.
The Current Approach
The standard approach involves measuring book dimensions and commissioning vendors to create custom laser-cut acrylic stands. However, this process has several issues, such as delays in receiving quotes, which can hinder urgent requests. Furthermore, if a new design is required quickly, vendors may be unable to accommodate the request, resulting in delays, limited flexibility, and inefficiencies in meeting changing exhibition needs.
The Proposed Design
This project proposes a solution to address the challenges of custom book stands by integrating 3D printing and in-house fabrication. Modular cradle components will be 3D printed to ensure flexibility and scalability, while custom acrylic holders for varying book dimensions will be produced in-house using laser cutting. This approach minimizes reliance on external suppliers, reduces waste, lowers costs, and streamlines production.
Development Phases
Phase 1
Design and Prototyping ( 3 Weeks)
Phase 2
Final design and Production (3 weeks)
Materials
3D printed ABS
Stainless steel hardware
Industrial Springs
Acrylic panels
Stake Holders
Asian Civialization Museum
Project Budget
S$4700
This section outlines the key project requirements aimed at reducing dependency on external resources and enhancing in-house responsiveness. The goal is to establish a streamlined process that facilitates rapid prototyping and production, particularly in response to changes in exhibitions.
The hardware used in this design consists of commonly available components that can be purchased from various shopping platforms. This accessibility makes it straightforward to source replacement parts, ensuring minimal downtime in case of wear and tear. Additionally, using standard hardware simplifies the design process, as the components are readily available and do not require custom fabrication or specialized ordering from vendors.
Because most of the hardware is standardized, there is no need to maintain a large inventory of varied components, significantly reducing the need for extensive storage space. This streamlined approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the overarching goal of simplifying production and minimizing reliance on external suppliers. By standardizing the hardware, the workflow becomes more organized, cost-effective, and scalable for future projects.
The material used for this book stand design is PETG, which can be printed using in-house printers. This allows for greater flexibility in making adjustments to specific parts of the design without the need to engage external vendors. This capability is highly beneficial, as a request can be made in the morning, and the finished product can be printed and ready by the evening. The primary reason for selecting PETG is that, unlike ABS, it does not produce films during printing, making it more efficient and cleaner to work with.
Additionally, PLA was not chosen due to its structural weaknesses, as it is too fragile for equipment requiring durability. PETG, on the other hand, offers significantly higher tensile strength and is mechanically stronger than PLA, making it a more suitable material for this application.
This version control of this project will focus on refining slider implementations to create a smoother, more intuitive interface that users can master within 10 minutes. Iterations will prioritize precise, controlled adjustments over free-range options, offering a structured approach to modifying bookstand parameters.
Tightening & Loosening Knob
The knobs tighten when turned clockwise and loosen when turned counterclockwise. Additionally, all knobs are identical in size and function uniformly across the design, ensuring users can interact with them consistently.
Swivel Mechanism One
This swivel mechanism controls the tilt of the book, enabling users to adjust its angle for a more comfortable reading position. By modifying the tilt, users can also minimize glare, improve visibility, and achieve the most ergonomic viewing angle.
Swivel Mechanism Two
This axis controls the angle at which the books are held, allowing users to adjust the position for optimal visibility and comfort. By adjusting this axis, users can set the book at the most convenient angle for reading or viewing.
Variable Height Mechanism
This swivel mechanism controls the height at which the bookstand can be raised, allowing for easy customization to suit the user’s preference. To adjust the height, users simply need to loosen and tighten the knobs located beside the mechanism, ensuring a secure and stable position to a desired height.
Book Cradle And Attachment
This cradle is adjustable to fit various book sizes, ranging from B4 to A3. The attachments are made of acrylic, and users can customize the acrylic to suit their preferred size.
Variable Width Sliders
This mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate different book sizes, allowing users to customize the position for optimal support and stability. The adjustment ensures that the bookstand can securely hold books of various dimensions.
Materials
3D Printed ABS
Stainless Steel Hardware
Nylon Ball Bearings
Dimensions
273mm (Width)
395mm (Length)
295mm (Height)
Development Time
3 weeks
Design Goal
This initial iteration focuses on ensuring functionality before refining material, size, and design optimization. ABS has been used for all 3D printed components to reduce infill and minimize waste.
Swivel Mechanism One
The feedback regarding this mechanism highlights that it is perceived as too bulky. The goal is to reduce the size of the mechanism, ensuring it retains its functionality while minimizing its volumetric footprint.
Tightening & Loosening Knob
The feedback regarding this feature indicates that while it is functional, its bulkiness is a concern. This added bulk extends to other components as well. A potential improvement would be to replace the current knob with a bolt mechanism that allows for tightening and loosening, thereby reducing the overall size and enhancing efficiency.
Swivel Mechanism Two
The feedback regarding this mechanism highlights that it is perceived as too bulky. The goal is to reduce the size of the mechanism, ensuring it retains its functionality while minimizing its volumetric footprint.
Variable Height Mechanism
The feedback for this feature suggests that setting a specific height for the mechanism could allow it to be removed, thereby reducing the volumetric footprint of the design.
Book Cradle And Attachment
The feedback for this feature acknowledges its value, but notes that its bulky design contributes to an overall oversized appearance of the book cradle. A more streamlined design for this feature is recommended to enhance both the functionality and the overall compactness of the cradle.
Variable Width Sliders
The feedback for this feature suggests exploring options to anchor it to a fixed size. It is recommended to use brass or flat materials to provide quick and durable protection, rather than repeatedly reprinting parts to accommodate varying book sizes.
Materials
3D Printed ABS
Stainless Steel Hardware
Nylon Ball Bearings
Acrylic Plates
Industrial Springs
Dimensions
225mm (Width)
250mm (Length)
218mm (Height)
Development Time
2 weeks
Design Goal
This design iteration focuses on reducing the overall volume while preserving all functions. Additionally, certain features are made with acrylic to allow in-house customization of parts, aligning with the requirements of the initial purpose.
Book Cradle Attachment
In this version of the cradle, the design has been streamlined to be more compact. It now only requires four bolts to securely attach the acrylic components to the base. This simplified assembly process reduces the overall size and improves ease of installation.
Rotating Attachment Mechanism
In this final version, the feature is designed to be highly compact, requiring only four attachment points to secure the book cradle. To adjust the feature, tighten or loosen the bolts at the center of the axis rotation to modify the angle of the cradle. The mechanism allows for 360-degree rotation, with a total of 12 steps, offering a 30-degree increment for each step.
Variable Width Mechanism
In this design, the variable width feature no longer slides, as compared to the designs in previous versions. Instead, users can adjust the width by adding additional 3D-printed pieces to extend the cradle to the desired width.
Dual Axis Mechanism
Based on previous feedback and iterations, this feature combines a primary rotating axis to adjust the angle of the book cradle, along with a secondary rotating axis, which also serves as the lever mechanism for finer adjustments. The lever mechanism allows users to shift the center of gravity relative to the main axis of rotation, providing greater control over the cradle’s positioning. Additionally, the secondary axis enables precise control over smaller details and angles, ensuring a more customizable experience for users.
Wall Attachment Mount
To mount the book cradle on the wall, the existing feature is removed, and the middle section is attached to two brass rods, which are then fixed to the wall.
Acrylic Book Stand
This acrylic book stands can be replaced with a similar or taller version to increase the overall height of the stand. A key feature of this acrylic design is that it can be easily fabricated in-house using just a laser cutter. With no bends in the design, it simplifies the fabrication process.
Materials
PETG – Glass fiber (3D Printed)
Stainless steel Hardware
Acrylic Plates
Industrial Springs
Dimensions
200mm (Width)
184mm (Length)
160mm (Height)
Development Time
1 weeks
Design Goals
Book Cradle Attachment
In this updated cradle design, the acrylic thickness is reduced to 6mm, addressing feedback from version 3, where 8mm was too heavy and caused parts to shift downward. The design now uses sunken bolts instead of regular hex head bolts. Sunken bolts require less thickness, enabling a lighter structure. This reduction in both thickness and weight helps minimize the mechanical load on the cradle.
Rotating Attachment Mechanism
In this final version, the feature is designed to be assembled using M4 bolts instead of the previous M3 bolts. The M4 bolts provide a stronger grip for the rotating attachments, enhancing the mechanical stability without altering the outer dimensions of the design.
Dual Axis Mechanism
The switch from M3 to M4 bolts has resulted in a significant improvement in this version. In version 3, the M3 bolts had less bite strength, causing misalignment of parts when load was applied. This misalignment propagated to other parts, leading to a shift in the overall design. While each step was intended to be 30 degrees, the misalignment caused a shift of 33-35 degrees, reducing mechanical accuracy and potentially impacting planning during curation.
Variable Width Mechanism
Similar to other parts, the M4 bolts have had a significant impact on these components, as they now maintain their positioning much more effectively compared to version 3. This improvement is also due to a new design feature that aligns the two parts together. With the addition of the M4 bolts, the design is securely held in place, ensuring greater stability and accuracy.
Acrylic Book Stand
This acrylic book stand can be replaced with a similar or taller version to increase the overall height of the stand. A key update in this feature is the use of M4 bolts, which have been implemented throughout the latest design for improved strength and stability.
Wall Attachment Mount
To mount the book cradle on the wall, the existing feature is removed, and the middle section is attached to two brass rods, which are then fixed to the wall.
Interchangeable Parts for Compactness
This new feature, introduced in the latest version, allows for a more compact design. In exhibition settings, where minimal visibility of the stand is desired, this feature enables the cradle to be interchanged with an alternate design, further reducing its form factor. It is particularly useful when books need to be positioned in a more upward-facing orientation.
Materials
PETG – Glass fiber (3D Printed)
Stainless steel Hardware
Acrylic Plates
Industrial Springs
Dimensions
200mm (Width)
184mm (Length)
160mm (Height)
Development Time
1 week
Design Goals
This section provides a detailed list of all components in the final design, including parts, hardware, quantities, materials, and 3D printing settings. It will documents the source, supplier, specifications of each item, and relevant details on material properties and optimal 3D printing parameters.
P01 (x1)
P02 (x1)
P03 (x1)
P04 (x1)
P05 (x4)
P06 (x2)
P07 (x2)
P08 (x4)
P09 (x1)
Print Settings
Layer Height: 0.2
Wall Loops: 6
Top Layer: 6
Bottom Layer: 6
Advance Settings
Order of Walls:
Inner/Outer/Inner
Infill: 40%
Infill pattern: Gyriod
Temperature Settings
Nozzle: 250-260°
Bed: 70-80°
Total Print Time
18-20 Hours (Approximately)
Materials
PETG – Glass fiber
Stainless Steel Bolts
M4, 22mm (x8)
M4, 28mm (x2)
M4, 30mm (x10)
M4, 65mm (x12)
Stainless Steel Inserts
M4 x M8 x 6mm (x14)
M4 x M8 x 12mm (x12)
(ID x OD x H)
Industrial Springs
M5 x M8 x 10mm (x4)
(ID x OD x H)
Nylon Washers
M4 x M8 x 1mm (x30)
(ID x OD x H)
This section outlines the process for assembling the final design using the 3D printed parts and hardware described earlier. It provides step-by-step instructions, specifying which parts should be embedded into the 3D printed components. Additionally, it covers the preparation of each part, including handling, fitting, and any necessary modifications to ensure a smooth and efficient assembly.
How to Prepare the Parts
This section outlines the process for inserting the stainless steel inserts into all the 3D printed parts necessary for the design assembly. It is important to complete this step before the assembly. Additionally, to ensure the stainless steel inserts remain securely embedded in the 3D printed parts, it is essential to use Maxi-Cure™ Extra Thick CA Glue for bonding plastics and metals.
How to Apply Maxi-Cure
Apply Maxi-Cure™ CA to one side of the parts to be joined, then press them firmly together for 10-20 seconds. For larger bonding surfaces, apply serpentine beads of the CA adhesive, ensuring sufficient spacing to allow for proper spreading. The adhesive will reach full strength within three hours. Clean the nozzle before securing the screw-on cap. To extend shelf life, refrigerate the product. Once cured, Maxi-Cure™ CA remains stable within a temperature range of -40°F to 220°F.
P01
M4 x M8 x 6mm (x2)
P02
M4 x M8 x 12mm (x4)
P04
M4 x M8 x 6mm (x10)
P06
M4 x M8 x 6mm (x1)
P07
M4 x M8 x 6mm (x1)
P08
M4 x M8 x 12mm (x4)
P09
M4 x M8 x 12mm (x4)
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 35mm )
Black Nylon Washer ( M4 x M8 )
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 30mm )
Industrial Spring ( M5 x M8 x 10mm )
Completed Assembly (Step 01)
Nylon Washer ( M4 x M8 )
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 22mm )
Acrylic ( Thickness: 8mm )
Completed Assembly (Step 02)
Nylon Washer ( M4 x M8 )
Industrial Spring ( M5 x M8 x 10mm )
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 35mm )
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm )
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm )
P02
Completed Assembly (Step 03)
Tapered Stainless Steel Bolt
( M4 x 30mm)
Custom Acrylic Sheet
(Thickness: 6mm)
Completed Assembly (Step 04)
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm)
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm)
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm)
Stainless Steel Bolt ( M4 x 65mm)
Industrial Spring ( M5 x M8 x 10mm)
P09 (Printed Part)
Completed Assembly (Iteration 02)
This section outlines the various design features of the Project Cradle, which users can adjust to achieve the optimal height and angle. Additionally, it provides instructions on how to reconfigure different components as needed. Each feature is accompanied by a tutorial video, detailing the steps for use and the necessary tools.
Attaching/Detaching the book cradle 
The cradle is designed to allow the production team to easily adjust its size. If a larger cradle is needed, they can laser-cut the required dimensions, bend the material accordingly, and attach it to the holder.
Changing the configuration
The configuration being referred to involves adjusting the rotatable joint that controls the tilt angle of the book cradle. The process described above illustrates how to transition from a stand with a high tilt angle to one with a lower tilt angle.
Attachment to wall
To convert the stand into a wall-mounted setup, first, remove the two screws from the base attachment points. However, the rods mounted on the wall must be installed first before securing the base in place.
Dual Swivel Mechanism
This feature allows the user to align the board at the center of the rotation mechanism and secure it in place. Once the desired angle is achieved, the user can tighten it to hold the position. The design includes two rotating mechanisms to provide additional degrees of rotation if required.
Cradle Swivel Mechanism
This feature enables the user to adjust the swivel angle of the book cradle for optimal positioning.
This section presents the various iterations developed for the project. Each version can be accessed by selecting the corresponding filter for viewing. A total of four iterations are available in this project.
This section provides an overview of the key development goals, along with comments and feedback for each version, highlighting the improvements made from previous iterations.
Phase one centered on testing functionalities to achieve a practical design. This included building the book cradle to verify angles, adjusting mechanism heights to find the best fit, and evaluating swivel mechanisms to assess necessary customizations. The goal was to explore all options before refining the design.
Design for Functionality
In phase two, the focus is on reducing the design's form factor. The variable width mechanism was changed from a parallel to a perpendicular design, improving strength and stability to prevent wobbling. Additionally, alternative materials are being explored, with a shift from ABS to PETG planned for the next iteration.
Design for Stability
Phase three aims to significantly reduce the form factor. Bulky knobs were replaced with M3 bolts, cutting the design’s volume to one-fifth of the previous version. The cradle’s stand was also redesigned to have four contact points instead of a full base, streamlining the overall structure.
Reducing Form Factor
Phase four focuses on standardising all parts to use M4 bolts instead of M3, addressing feedback about joint torsion when a book is placed on the cradle. Additionally, slots were added to the 3D-printed parts to prevent sliding or torsion under heavier loads, improving overall stability.
Design for Optimization
