Development of a 3D model "Brain on a spine stand"

1. Project Goal

Create a realistic 3D model of the human brain (scale 1:1) with the possibility of integrating electronics:

• backlighting (WS2812B LEDs);

• control (buttons, Arduino / ESP32 microcontroller);

• audio effects (micro speaker);

• powered by an external 5V adapter.

The model is intended for 3D printing and electronics assembly.

2. Overall Structure

The construction consists of three assembly units:

1. Brain — anatomically accurate model that disassembles into two halves (left/right)

2. Spinal stand — hollow channel holder for routing power and signal wires.

3. Base (foundation) — block of electronics and control (buttons, speaker, power, controller)

3. Requirements for Each Unit

3.1. Brain

• Scale: 1:1 (≈ 140 × 170 × 130 mm).

• Shape: anatomically accurate, with natural folds and grooves.

• Construction:

  
  

  • Disassembly into two halves, connected by neodymium magnets (Ø 6–8 mm × 2–3 mm).

  • Inside — cavity for mounting segmented LEDs.

  • Mounting channels (grooves) for securing LED strips (WS2812B type, width ≈ 10 mm).

  • Wall thickness 2–3 mm for uniform light diffusion.

  • Material for printing: translucent PLA/PETG Clear.

  • Provide an entry hole at the bottom for the cable from the spine.

3.2. Spinal Stand

• Height: 180–250 mm (according to the composition proportions).

• External design: stylized spine / backbone.

• Inside — through channel Ø 8–12 mm for routing cable (5V, DATA, GND).

• Top part — fitting into the brain with a mechanical lock and connector (e.g., JST 3-pin).

• Bottom part inserts into the base (pin, thread, latch).

3.3. Base (Foundation)

Functional block combining control, power, and sound module.

Main elements:

• Top panel:

  
  

  • 5 holes for control buttons (diameter ≈ 12 mm, for Momentary Switch buttons).

  • 1 hole for micro speaker (Ø ≈ 15–20 mm, with decorative grille).

• Inside the base housing:

  
  

  • Compartment for Arduino Nano / ESP32 DevKit v1 board;

  • Compartment for driver / capacitor / wires;

  • Removable cover at the bottom (with screws or latches) for access to electronics;

  • Mounting stands or platform for board mounting (M2.5–M3);

  • Ventilation slots for heat dissipation.

• Power:

  
  

  • At the back of the base — hole for power connector (DC 5.5×2.1 mm or USB-C);

  • Inside — space for cable management and fuse.

• Material: durable PLA/PETG, non-transparent.

• Base size: approximately 120–150 mm diameter / width, height ≈ 50–70 mm.

• Bottom part — weighted (possibly, a niche for a metal weight).

4. Assembly and Maintenance

• Brain ↔ spine ↔ base — detachable units.

• All connections must allow reassembly without glue.

• Access to electronics through the bottom cover of the base.

• Cable runs through the spine to the brain, where it connects to the LED chain.

5. Aesthetic Requirements

• Appearance of the brain — as realistic as possible, with a soft translucent glow.

• Spine — stylized, may have a slight techno design (organic + technology).

• Base — minimalist, neat, with a smooth surface and hidden screws.

• The grille of the micro speaker should be neatly integrated into the overall geometry.

6. Output File Formats

• STL — for printing (each part separately).

• STEP / OBJ — for editing and assembly.

• PDF drawing with main dimensions and mounting locations.

• PNG renders (front view, side view, isometric).