The Cheeta clip holds flat objects onto a rack. It is made for deploying small solar photovoltaic (PV) modules outdoors.
- Very fast, tool-less attachment to a rack
- Very fast, tool-less installation and removal of samples
- Fully 3D-printable
- Uses about USD 0.10 worth of material per clip
Position rails according to the rail slot spacing in the version table below.
Set the springs inside of each clip.
step1.mov
Install at least two upper clips in the upper rail using a quarter-twist.
step2.mov
Install at least two lower clips in the lower rail using a quarter-twist.
step3.mov
Insert the sample into the upper clips, then tilt the sample and slide it into the lower clips.
step4.mov
| version | rail type | sample thickness range | clip overlap | rail slot spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 80-20 15 series | 3 mm–8 mm | 5 mm | sample height − 23 mm |
We make Cheeta clips using ordinary FFF 3D printers. We use a 0.6-mm nozzle. We slice with 4 perimeters to strengthen the inside corner fillet and use 15% infill.
We use white PETG, which should last at least several months outdoors while holding adequate spring tension.
PLA is not recommended because it creeps at room temperature and loses spring tension overnight.
If you have tried this clip, or if you have a comment or suggestion, please contact the author, Tim Silverman timothy.silverman@nrel.gov.