phone-case-cq/README.md

this is a 3d-printable case designed for the PinePhone, but implemented with an eye towards generalizing beyond just that model and supporting future phones/preferences alongside this first model.

as an example, the default case (pictured below) includes a pouch for carrying an external battery, but if you don't want the pouch then you can build with CASE_BATTERY=none make.

the battery pouch is the defining feature of this case though. it's a quick solution to achieve all-day battery life without any special requirements from the OS, and it requires no supports to print: it's a simple mesh which prints flat with the rest of the case, but deforms to fit the battery upon installation.

Images

for an interactive viewer, see build/web-viewer/index.html. you'll need a browser which supports webGL (e.g. chromium).

Prerequisites

• run nix develop to enter a dev environment
• or manually install these dependencies:
  • Python3
  • cadquery
  • cq-editor (for interactive viewing/development)

Building

• make all will produce STLs, gcode, etc in the build/ directory
• the models can be parameterized with environment variables:
  • CASE_RENDER_PHONE=1 => render not just the case, but also what it would look like with the phone inside
  • CASE_RENDER_PHONE_ONLY=1 => render ONLY the phone, no case
  • CASE_BATTERY=<name> => design the case to fit a specific battery model, or "none"

Development

• ./main.py --editor or cq-editor ./main.py to load an interactive GUI

  • press the green play button to render the model
  • call with --render-phone to see how the phone would fit inside the case, or apply any of the environment variables from above

• CadQuery docs may be found here: https://cadquery.readthedocs.io/en/latest/quickstart.html

Bill of Materials

• print using a flexible material like TPU
• the "ldtek" battery is sold under a few brands:
  • Auskang
  • TNTOR