THE BLINKING BRACELET

One of my long-standing goals has been to make a wearable using digital fabrication as a means of production. For this project, I sought out to design a bracelet that, in the long run, would function to remind its wearer to take his or her vitamins, supplements or medication at the designated time(s). I used the following skills in making this project: model making and finishing techniques, 3D printing, soldering, programming Neopixels and learning how to install an LED strip.

Final Design for the Blinking Bracelet

Final Design for the Blinking Bracelet

3D printed in ABS plastic with an LED strip running though it

First Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

First Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot

Second Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Second Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot

Third Iteration of Blinking Bracelet with NeoPixels

Third Iteration of Blinking Bracelet with NeoPixels

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot

Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet, Page 1

Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet, Page 1

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot. Device walls thickened in order to accommodate individual LED bulbs.

Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet, Page 2

Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet, Page 2

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot. Device walls thickened in order to accommodate individual LED bulbs.

Additional Views of Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Additional Views of Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot.

Left image: bracelet’s outer wall has an iridescent finish. Right image: bracelet’s outer wall has a frosted finish.

Additional View of Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Additional View of Fourth Iteration of Blinking Bracelet

Bracelet’s outer wall has a clear finish

Working with the NeoPixel Flora

Working with the NeoPixel Flora

Skills Acquisition: Soldering

Skills Acquisition: Soldering

Bracelet Prototype Incorporating NeoPixels

Bracelet Prototype Incorporating NeoPixels

Bracelet 3D printed in PLA plastic

Material for Final Design, Page 1

Material for Final Design, Page 1

Parts 3D printed in ABS

Material for Final Design, Page 2

Material for Final Design, Page 2

Parts 3D printed in ABS

CAD Model Reproduction of Prototype

CAD Model Reproduction of Prototype

Modelled in Rhino, rendered in Keyshot

Lighting Effects Produced by Individual LEDs

Lighting Effects Produced by Individual LEDs

(Images taken without the outer wall of the bracelet)

GIF Showing the Lighting Effects Produced by Individual LEDs

GIF Showing the Lighting Effects Produced by Individual LEDs

Exploring Lighting Effects via Epoxy Resin, Individual LEDs and NeoPixels

Exploring Lighting Effects via Epoxy Resin, Individual LEDs and NeoPixels

Exploring Lighting Effects via Polyurethane Resin

Exploring Lighting Effects via Polyurethane Resin

Placement of LED Strip inside Blinking Bracelet

Placement of LED Strip inside Blinking Bracelet

LED strip eliminates possibility of hotspots created by both the Neopixels and the individual LEDs, and bracelet connects via two sets of magnets