The World's First Vacuum Cleaner In An Altoids Tin

Toby Bateson

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Description

I have wanted to post a project on Hackaday for years but never had anything worthy enough. My electronics skills barely extend beyond simple circuits but I have been making tiny vacuum cleaners for years and thought that if I squoze one into an Altoids tin it would be of interest to some of you. Although this may seem like a challenge in terms of size it felt luxurious to me as most of the vacuum cleaners I have made in the past have been significantly smaller. The smallest I have made also happens to be the smallest in the world, being in a 1cc tube. You can see it here; https://zenplugs.com/blog/the-smallest-vacuum-cleaner-in-the-world-invented-by-zenplugs-own-dr-toby-bateson. I have an official Guinness World Record for it!

Details

I love inventing things and am currently working on a (secret) biobattery and have previously invented self-moulding earplugs you can make at home from a kit. They are great at blocking dangerous sound levels so I always wear them when I am using my Dremel. https://zenplugs.com/swimming-earplugs

Files

2017-11-17 12.37.38.jpg Tubular fixation bracket for suction tube, also made from Stella can. JPEG Image - 1.94 MB - 07/21/2019 at 09:56		Preview

2017-11-23 13.45.35.jpg Tubular mounting bracket in place, bolted to side of tin. I cut two notches in the side of the suction tube and folded the tab out, then I cut a slot down the sides of the bracket. This stops the tube being pulled out and stops it rotating so the bevelled end lines up with the curve on the outside of the tin. JPEG Image - 1.49 MB - 07/21/2019 at 10:01		Preview

2017-11-17 13.19.47.jpg Cut down nut and bolt for base of switch. You could use off-the-shelf but I like to make my own. JPEG Image - 2.12 MB - 07/21/2019 at 09:58		Preview

2017-11-23 13.42.19.jpg The other end of the tube also has a tab to allow the tube to be extended. The end is rounded to conform to the outside of the tin. JPEG Image - 1.54 MB - 07/21/2019 at 10:05		Preview

2017-11-23 14.29.04.jpg 1.85mm impellor blade mounted on rotor shaft. JPEG Image - 1.68 MB - 07/21/2019 at 10:08		Preview