This week’s selection is the wacky Blinking Iris Goggles by Washington-state based Thingiverse contributor Jeff Kerr.
I’ve been fiddling with “iris boxes” for a while now, as they are an entirely fascinating item that can be easily 3D printed. They’re a kind of box that opens in a very peculiar manner when twisting the base, using four covers that mimic an iris. In fact, last week’s Design of the Week was a variation on an Iris Box.
This week’s is ALSO an Iris box of a kind.
Designer Kerr decided to make that peculiar motion even more creepy by placing it over one’s own eyeballs. I’m not going to describe how this looks, and instead insist you watch this video demonstrating the motion:
Incredible, isn’t it?
As you might imagine, this is more than just 3D printed parts; it requires an elastic strap and optional clear (or tinted) lenses. There is some simple assembly required for this project.
While you might imagine complex systems for coordinating the opening and closing of the irises, Kerr opted for an incredibly simple method: a near-invisible length of clear fishing line. Just pull on the line and they open (or close).
3D printing is easy; there’s only four items: two eyeballs, the goggles and a spring. The eyeballs include all parts for opening and closing; you won’t need to do any assembly of the eyeball mechanisms.
The “goggles” could be 3D printed in a flexible material to enable flush fit on your face – and it would be a lot more comfortable than a rigid print.
All available at no charge from Thingiverse.
Via Thingiverse
