Bellows have been tried and tested tools for conveying air for centuries. While today they are mainly used as protective mechanisms in machines, they were previously used to transport air in forges or organs. YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith has now recreated a functional bellows system using 3D printing and combined it with a mechanical drive unit.
The design is based on a hypercycloid gearbox that generates a smooth movement. Instead of a classic motor or pump, two 3D-printed bellows are driven mechanically. The air is sucked into the bellows through valves and blown out in a pulsating stream. One of the challenges was to make the bellows stable and flexible. Murray-Smith used TPU filament for the flexible elements and PLA for the rigid components.
In addition, a valve system was developed to ensure a directed air flow. The combination of mechanical drive, flexible materials and precisely printed valves makes the system functional. The aim of the project was to direct air over a blisk turbine, which in turn can generate electrical energy.
The construction of such a system is not just a technical gimmick, but also demonstrates the possibilities that 3D printing offers when implementing historical technologies with modern manufacturing methods.
The complete model is available as an open source file on Thingiverse.
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