📂 Step 1: Design the Mount
To improve the stability of our Raspberry Pi and camera setup, we will design a 3D-printed mount. This mount will securely hold the Raspberry Pi and the camera in a fixed position, ensuring that the captured images remain consistent. A stable setup improves the accuracy of our object classification system.
We will use 3D modeling software such as:
- Fusion 360 – Professional CAD software (free for students and educators).
- FreeCAD – Open-source alternative with powerful tools.
- Tinkercad – Easy-to-use online tool for quick designs.
Our mount should have:
- A base to hold the Raspberry Pi board.
- A structure to secure the camera module at an optimal angle.
- (Optional) Openings for ventilation to prevent overheating.
📂 Step 2: Print the Mount
Once we have designed the mount, we need to 3D print it using a filament-based 3D printer.
Recommended printing settings:
- Material: PLA (easy to print) or PETG (more durable).
- Layer height: 0.2mm (for good balance between quality and speed).
- Infill: 20% (for structural strength).
- Supports: Enable if the design has overhangs.
- Print time: ~2-4 hours (depending on design size).
Once printed, clean any excess material and test the fit with the Raspberry Pi and camera.
📂 Step 3: Assemble the Components
After printing the mount, we will assemble the components:
- Attach the Raspberry Pi to the base using screws or clips.
- Secure the camera module at the correct angle.
- Ensure stability so that the camera remains fixed during image capture.
A stable mount will allow the Raspberry Pi to continuously capture images from the same position, improving classification accuracy.
💡 Additional Improvements
- Add a rotatable mechanism to adjust the camera angle.
- Design a compact case for portability.
- Integrate LED indicators to show the classification results.
✅ By the end of this session, we will have a fully assembled Raspberry Pi setup with a custom 3D-printed mount!