sl-mechanical f92389e3b5 feat: Add Issue #195 - GoPro mount adapter for T-slot rail

- Implement GoPro 3-prong interface with standard mount compatibility
- T-slot clamp base for sensor rail attachment
- Tilt adjustment mechanism (0-90 degrees)
- 7-position detent system (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°)
- M5 thumbscrew retention for secure locking
- Comprehensive BOM with sourcing and assembly instructions
- Print settings, weight analysis, and QA procedures

Issue: #195

2026-03-02 11:16:41 -05:00

6.0 KiB

Raw Blame History

GoPro Mount Adapter - Bill of Materials

Issue #195

3D Printed Components

Part	Qty	Material	Weight	Notes
GoPro Mount Base	1	PLA/PETG	~8g	Top interface, receives GoPro 3-prong connector
Tilt Arm Assembly	1	PLA/PETG	~12g	Connects GoPro mount to T-slot clamp, rotates on pivot
Pivot Housing	1	PLA/PETG	~10g	Mounts to T-slot clamp, houses pivot pin
T-Slot Clamp Base	1	PLA/PETG	~6g	Fixed base mounting to sensor rail

Subtotal Printed: ~36g

Hardware Components

Part	Qty	Size	Material	Source	Notes
Pivot Pin (Bolt)	1	M8 x 40mm	Steel	Hardware Store	Central pivot for tilt mechanism
Pivot Pin (Nut)	1	M8	Steel	Hardware Store	Secures pivot pin
Thumbscrew	1	M5 x 8mm	Steel with Knob	Hardware Store	Locks tilt position (standard M5 thumb knob)
Detent Spring Ball	1	4mm stainless	Stainless Steel	Ball bearing supplier	Springs into detent pockets (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°)
Compression Spring	1	M4 x 15mm	Steel	Hardware Store	Pushes detent ball into pockets (spring constant ~3-4 N/mm)
T-Nut	1	M4 x 20mm	Aluminum	T-slot Supplier	For T-slot rail mounting
M4 Bolt	4	8-10mm length	Steel	Hardware Store	Mounting bolts for T-nut (4-point pattern)
Washer	4	M4	Stainless Steel	Hardware Store	Under bolt heads to distribute load
Hex Nut	1	M8	Steel	Hardware Store	Secures pivot pin (if needed for adjustment)

Assembly Materials

Item	Qty	Type	Purpose	Notes
Thread-lock (Loctite)	1 small tube	Medium strength (blue)	Lock thumbscrew position	Prevents vibration loosening
Grease (PTFE-based)	1 small tube	Silicone or PTFE	Lubricate pivot joint	For smooth tilt operation
Sandpaper	1 set	P400/P600 grit	Post-print finishing	Sand all moving surfaces smooth

Print Settings

Parameter	Recommended
Material	PLA or PETG
Nozzle Temperature	200-210°C (PLA) / 230-245°C (PETG)
Bed Temperature	60°C (PLA) / 80-90°C (PETG)
Layer Height	0.2mm (standard) or 0.1mm (fine)
Infill	20-25% (higher for pivot areas due to stress)
Supports	Yes - required for GoPro mount underside and pivot pockets
Print Time	~4-5 hours
Estimated Weight	36g printed (matches sub-50g target if optimized)

Assembly Checklist

Print all 4 components with supports
Remove supports and sand surfaces
Sand pivot surfaces smooth (P600) for frictionless rotation
Clean all parts with compressed air
Install M8 pivot pin through housing and arm
Install M8 nut and washer on pivot pin (hand-tight + 1/2 turn)
Apply PTFE grease to pivot joint
Install 4mm detent ball in spring
Insert spring + ball assembly into detent housing
Install compression spring and M4 bolt for spring retention
Test tilt mechanism: should click into 7 detent positions
Install T-nut and M4 mounting bolts to T-slot rail
Install M5 thumbscrew for tilt locking
Apply thread-lock to thumbscrew (if needed)
Test GoPro mount: insert standard GoPro 3-prong connector
Verify all tilt detents hold firmly
Test thumbscrew locking at various angles

Sourcing Notes

Where to Buy

3D Printing Service (if not printing yourself):

Prusa Printing (prusa3d.com)
Shapeways (shapeways.com)
OnShape + local printer
~$15-25 for all parts in PLA

Hardware (Local Options):

Home Depot / Lowes: T-nuts, bolts, washers, springs
Ace Hardware: Thumbscrew knobs, grease
Amazon: Bulk hardware kits, ball bearings
McMaster-Carr: Premium hardware, precision springs

Specialty (Online):

SDP/SI (sdp-si.com): Precision balls, springs
VXB Bearings: Ball bearings and precision components
Misumi: Aluminum hardware

Cost Breakdown

Category	Cost	Notes
3D Printing	$2-5	If self-printing; $15-25 if outsourced
Hardware	$8-12	Pivot pin, bolts, springs, thumbscrew
Assembly Materials	$3-5	Grease, sandpaper, thread-lock
Total	$13-22	Budget-friendly sensor integration

Weight Analysis

Component	Weight
Printed parts	36g
M8 bolt + nut	8g
M5 thumbscrew	3g
Springs + ball	2g
T-nut + M4 bolts	6g
Total	~55g

Note: Can optimize to <50g by:

Reducing infill to 15% in non-stress areas
Using aluminum M8 bolt instead of steel
Using nylon M4 bolts instead of steel

Quality Assurance

Testing Points

Pivot Smoothness: No grinding or binding, smooth rotation
Detent Engagement: Audible/tactile click at each 15° position
Tilt Lock: Thumbscrew holds position against moderate force (~5 kg applied force)
GoPro Interface: Standard GoPro mount seats fully and securely
T-slot Mounting: Rock-solid attachment, no wobble
Repeated Use: 100+ tilt cycles without wear

Maintenance

Monthly: Check thumbscrew tightness, verify detents still click
As Needed: Reapply PTFE grease to pivot if rotation becomes rough
If Detents Wear: Replace 4mm ball or detent pocket (reprint arm if needed)
If Pivot Loosens: Retighten M8 nut with 2mm clearance (should not be too tight)

Compatibility Notes

GoPro Models Supported:

GoPro Hero 11/12 (with standard 3-prong mount)
GoPro Hero 9/10 (with standard 3-prong mount)
GoPro Hero 8 (with standard 3-prong mount)
Any device with standard GoPro 3-prong interface

Not Compatible:

GoPro Hero 7 or older (different mounting system)
Devices without GoPro 3-prong connector

Adapter Options:

Can add GoPro-to-other-mount adapters on top for non-GoPro cameras
Design allows stacking of standard GoPro accessories

Bill of Materials Version: 1.0 Design Status: Complete Last Updated: 2026-03-02 Issue: #195

6.0 KiB Raw Blame History