Week 4: Generative Design Headphone Hook

For this project, I created a hook for my headphones using generative design to store my headphones under my desk when not in use.

Supplies

Step 1: First Attempt at Generative Design

I designed pads around the corner of my desk as the preserved geometry for this attempt. My goal was for the algorithm to find a unique path to connect the geometry. I used the desk model and a headphone model as the keep-out zone for this simulation. While I was hopeful for some useful results, none of them converged so I figured that I had to give more constraints to the initial geometry.

Step 2: Second Attempt

In my second attempt, I decided to model about half of the hook myself, and create the initial shape for the generative design. I used generative design in two locations: one to connect the headphone shelf to the clip, and one to connect the clip to the top of the desk. This study produced more interesting results and I selected the ones that had the most holes in them. I found these results to be intriguing, and I would not have thought to design those features like the algorithm did.

Step 3: Slicing

In preparation for 3D printing, I used the standard Cura settings for a Prusa i3, but I used gyroid infill and tree supports. I thought using tree supports for this design was cool as they have similar aesthetics.

Step 4: Results

Well, this hook is a nice piece of art. In the generative design, I constrained some faces in contact with the desk by designating them as fixed. In reality, this was not the case as I intended for the hook to slide into place. I could use double-sided foam tape to fix the hook into place, but further iteration would be required to make this design work without adhesive.