DrinkColder

Self-Closing Drink Holder & Cooler

• 12 fl oz version is available here… https://than.gs/m/1359926
• 16 fl oz version is available here… https://than.gs/m/1364357

I’m not entirely sure how I arrived at designing this. I just had a thought in my head that a self-closing beverage holder would be fun. It started as something completely different, but once I got on the design that it is now, I just loved it. It is so satisfying to play with and fun to keep a drink concealed and cool in.

As it stands now, it is one of my favourite designs. I think I feel that way because of the collapsing iris design that I created. While it is really just one element of the design and may be lost on many, it is very slick. The blades of the iris are compounding so that they can collapse into a smaller space than the radial distance of the opening. I am definitely going to try to find other applications for that!

And, I managed to get the iris to activate by the vertical movement of the upper section of the DrinkColder. This is another area of design that fascinates me… using human power in a way that is almost not even noticed. In this case, by pressing down on the DrinkColder in a very natural way you receive the beverage but at the same time, you are moving the machine inside.

I have often thought about how we open and close doors in the same way giving up some energy every time we do it; how can that be harnessed and used?

Anyway, back to the DrinkColder… the other aspect of this design that I really love is the counterweight effect of the top and bottom moving halves which makes the whole thing work. And, when a drink is removed the DrinkColder stays open for it to be returned to.

No motors, no springs — just effective geometry, balance, and symetrical gears.

Features

• Fits standard 355ml (12oz) cans
• Includes optional cozy insert or TPU ice ring mold to keep your drink extra cold
• Uses internal counterbalance and gears for motion — no electronics
• Designed for PLA with no supports required
• Visual assembly guide included
• Dimensions: 114mm x 114mm x 167mm (4.5” x 4.5” x 6.6”)
• Top iris opening: 70mm diameter

Print Settings

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

Since posting the DrinkColder, I had someone point out that printing with 2 different layer heights will help parts slide better in situations like this design. I will experiment with that and post an update when I can.

Post Printing and Assembly Notes

Deburr any sharp edges after printing. And, use light lubrication at rotating joints.

Please see the assembly video for instructions…