SD Card Case
SD Card Case
Keeping SD Cards Safe & Portable
A durable 3D printed pod capable of holding up to five full sized SD cards and secured with four 1/8” neodymium magnets providing a satisfying clap every time. A great addition to any camera bag.
I Had a Problem…
Whenever I go out filming with my camera I always make sure to bring some extra SD cards with me so I can swap on the go.
Unfortunately, my camera bag doesn’t have a dedicated pocket to keep them safe and secure and I’d always struggle the fish them out.
I needed a solution.
Design Iterations
The most important step was making sure that I could securely and easily insert and remove my SD cards from the case.
I tested a variety of forms and clearances to see what would work best for a photographer on the go.
Eventually, I landed on a clearance of about 0.01” on all sides and decided to try a screw-on design for the case. I found this was too bulky.
As I looked to re-designing, I considered already existing cases for other products and remembered the novelty of the Apple AirPods case. I’ve always loved the “snappiness” of the hinge and the ease of access the product affords. I decided it would be an interesting challenge to adapt the design.
Final Design Takeaways
While I could not exactly replicate the bi-stable hinge that Apple displays in their patent, I was able to recreate the same “snappy” feeling utilizing magnets in each corner of both Cover Plates.
Overall, the product feels great in hand and provides easy access to the SD cards inside while keeping them fairly safe and secure. This project was a valuable exercise in learning the limits of my 3D printer and discovering new tools to make unique and interesting designs.
In the future I’ll look to improve the following:
Reduce the overall bulkiness by thinning walls and adjusting shape.
Source stronger magnets to allow for a better more secure contact.
Design for modularity with other camera accessory cases.