Computer Mouse Holder

Hello Everyone!!😁

This is a guide on how to create a mouse holder for your computer. I created this with the intention of having a place that is specifically designed to not lose your mouse computer, and it is formed of two separated pieces. I designed it with the intention of placing it in the back of your computer, so that way when you are working on something but do not need to use the mouse at that moment, you can just place it on the back of your laptop and prevent it for falling onto the floor or getting in the way on your desk. It will be attached to the laptop with a command strip, which will allow you to remove it whenever you want without leaving any of that nasty and sticky residue that glue leaves. Also it can allow you to put it wherever it is most convenient for you.

This design has an attachment for your stylus pen in case you use it to work in your computer, but it can also be used just to place your pen for when you have to write something. It is a very easy tool that can help you to better organize your basic items or tools that you usually use when working with your computer.

If you already have a 3D printer all you need is to buy your favorite color of PLA. The cost of this project was very cheap since all I used was the PLA Filament. The big piece used 57.29m of PLA which was around $3. For the attachment on the computer I had to use 4.69m of PLA which was just $0.25. I used some glue for the holder itself and a command strip to connect it to the computer. Both of these items I already had laying around, so I did not need to buy new ones. After putting everything together the cost of the project is around $10 depending on which glue you decide to use.

On amazon you can probably find some mouse holders cheaper and probably easier than building one, but I took it as a challenge. I wanted to create something that is useful for everyone and helps you organize yourself and your work area daily. Also, I did not much if not anything about 3D modeling programs before this project. Therefore, it was a great opportunity to create something more personal. This design is an easy and fun way to create something useful while also using not too many materials and not requiring you to spend too much money.

I inspired my design from a model existent in Thingverse. The problem I had with it is that it did not perform in the way I wanted, but here is the link in case you want to take a look or improve it in the future. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4729867

Supplies

3D Printer

PLA Filament 1.75mm

SolidWorks program (or your favorite 3D design program)

UltiMaker Cura Program

Glue

Pencil

Ruler

Tape (Command Strip or Ezlifego Double side tape)

Lighter

Step 1: Sketch & Drawing

For the first step, I preferred to draw a sketch on paper about the idea I had in mind. It allowed me to have a better visual perspective of what I wanted to create. For this figure I feel it was the best way to reach success with my project.

Step 2: Design 3D Modeling

Create your design in your favorite 3D modeling program, to be able to have more specific dimensions. In my case I used two different programs for the different designs. I used SolidWorks and Inventor. Personally, I preferred the Inventor program, just because it was easier to navigate and understand for myself. However, any program should be appropriate for the designing of this project.

After doing that converted it to a .stl file each of your design. I did this to be able to place the format in a UltiMaker Cura program so I could print it to the 3D printer. I attached all my files here in case you want to use them to remake the project.

Step 3: Assembling

The assembling part of this project was the one that I enjoyed the most!!

I was not sure how to solve the assembling problem and which type of glue or tape to use. I found two ways of attaching part 1 and 3 to each other. Here I will explain both ways so you guys can choose which one fits better for you. First of all, I measured the space needed between each of the two hooks (part 3) and put some marks on the back of part 1, to identify where I have to place those two small parts. Once I knew where I had to place those two parts exactly, I moved on to the attachment part.

• Option 1 (The one I chose): Since we are working with PLA, which is a plastic, I thought that if I was able to melt this plastic just enough to place them together. Because of the melted plastic, both pieces will stay stuck together as if they were glued. This way is easy, but you have to be careful to not burn yourself.
• Option 2: Using SuperGlue is a good way to put these two parts together. You might need to wait a bit until the glue completely dries, which can take up to a few hours. Also, to make sure the glue is super secure, you might need to add a little bit of weight to the piece that is getting glued on. With this projects small shape and design, that might be a little difficult and awkward.

For the attachment of part 2 to the back of your laptop, I personally used a command strip at the beginning, which did the job for the time being. After a while I decided I wanted more security so I got a stronger double sided tape strip. This did in fact give the two pieces more grip to one another. Both of them left no traces of any residues on my computer in case I want to remove it. Both also provide me with enough strength to support the weight of the mouse, stylus or pen, and the structure itself. My recommendation is that if you want to use your mouse holder for a longer time use the double side tape (Ezlifego).

Step 4: Final Assembling

As seen in the picture the final assembling will be very simple. It will have the same method as hanging your clothes in your wardrobe.

In conclusion, this is a very open project with lots of room to make your own modifications. It is designed with a specific purpose but at the same time it can be used for many different things along with being placed on different surfaces. For example, if you prefer to put it on your wall closest to your desk, you can. If you were wanting to place the object in a different place other than on your computer, I would recommend using the double sided tape. This is just so you avoid any weight problems that you could have with the command strip.

I hope you enjoyed the project so far!!