Trikka Part Design Suggestions
Vs. 1.0
A couple of things we suggest to consider when making Trikka parts.
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Trikka Grid
30mm 3grid
Trikka is inspired by erector sets. Erector sets are modular toys where all parts can be connected to each other with nuts and bolts. The parts are multi-use. This works because the distance between the holes are the same in all parts. All parts are based on the same grid. Trikka tries to make this magic happen for its parts as well. The grid of Trikka uses a 30mm distance between the holes (or multiples thereof like 60mm, 90mm, 120mm etc. or for small parts half steps toward zero 15mm, 7,5mm). Whenever you add holes try to stay within this Grid. This will increase the likelihood of creative reuse of your parts by others. Some designers see this grid as a relief because it allows for quick decisions about how big or small something is. More about universal grids for everyday products and the origin of the 30mm-grid of Trikka you can read here & here.
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Tolerance
Trikka aims to support local repair, make and reuse. That’s why many parts in the catalogue are flexible when it comes to the choice of materials and even dimensions.
Normally the possible size deviation is +/- 15mm from the values mentioned in the parts post.
Great Trikka parts can be made from many different materials and with simple tools and still work in all or at least most products.
Not affected by the tolerance is the number, position and diameter of the holes.
It may happen that the dimensions or material choices have to be narrowed down more precisely for a part to work. If this is the case, you will find information on this in the parts post.
Ideally all manufactured versions of a part work in all products that use this part. The tolerance of the part may lead to cases where this won’t always work. Le’s see. Trikka is open research. Research with us.
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We know that it is possible to modify parts for example by adding holes, enlarging them or cutting parts off. Or that you swap them (for example part 1 and 3 in the image above). And also that you can combine smaller parts into one larger piece. Currently we can’t show this. But eventually we will be able to do it in the future.
Bolts:
The tolerance rule explains why bolts come in these steps:
10 – 30 – 50 – 70 – 90 – 110 – 130 – …
+/- 15mm allows to have all steps in between – for example 14mm. Since there is tolerance in the thickness of material connected using bolts the exact length of bolts is not determined by the design how it is shared on the Trikka page but it will be in the final production process of course. What length to mention in a design? Usually it is good to go with the length that will support the maximum tolerance of the parts you connect.
heads of bolts are free to chose (tolerance)
