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PolarityGear Fidget Toy 2 Ver:FT2f

PolarityGear Fidget Toy 2.0 Gives intermittent torque resistance feedback as you turn one side vs the other.
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updated September 22, 2025

Description

PDF

PolarityGear Fidget Toy 2.0, Current version FT2e.
I occasionally make adjustments based on feedback. So please provide feedback if you have any issues putting it together, etc.
Changes include:
-Tighter fitting parts for higher quality feeling.
-More reliable magnet attach part with grooves to accommodate variations in print accuracies.
-Requiring support material for one part to simplify parts, assembly, and instructions.

NEW!! You can copy the CAD files and make modifications to this design. The OnShape (which is the BEST, BTW) "Part Studio" is here.

 

Tip: Print the helix steps at 0.05mm layer resolution for easier adjustment.

Set your printer to print outer walls first.
 

This fidget toy gives intermittent torque resistance feedback as you turn one side relative to the other. Move the adjustment steps to vary the distance between two CMR Polymagnet #1002240’s and feel how the resistance is different. Twelve detents per revolution are easily felt and overcome at the toy’s easiest setting. Change the setting to decrease the distance between the magnets and a noticeable difference can be felt at each step to overcome the torque resistance. The feeling from turning these is very satisfying, almost addicting. The model shown in the photos was FDM printed with PLA at 0.2mm layer height. For smoother transitioning of adjustment, print the helix steps area at finer resolution (shorter layer height).

You can feel the torque resistance increase or decrease with each change in step which is only changing the distance between the magnets by 0.3mm or 0.012 inches.

Great for FDM printers. You can take it apart if you want to. This fidget toy will make you happy.

You can purchase the two magnets here:
https://holdenart.com/collections/polaritygear/products/cmr-2240-pair
or here:
https://catalog.polymagnet.com/1002240.html

DON'T LET THE MAGNETS ATTACH ON THEIR OWN!! IF YOU DO BY ACCIDENT, PLEASE BE CAREFUL GETTING THEM APART!!

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer: 

Prusa Mk2

Rafts:

No

Supports: 

Yes, for one part

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill: 

20%

Filament: Hatchbox PLA grey


 

Notes:

Info and Instructions…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How I Designed This ===================

PolarityGear's Undulating Helix

PolarityGear is trademarked and patented by HoldenArt. The patent relates to using magnets to provide intermittent resistance for dispensing rolled materials. In its current form, PolarityGear uses CMR 1002240 magnetic discs that have north and south areas around the outside edge that provide magnetic detents (12) when paired together. PolarityGear is currently being sold for one-handed paper towel and toilet paper holders. The undulating helix mechanism does not exist in any other products that we're aware of. This mechanism is not patented, but is used in PolarityGear and was developed by HoldenArt. It allows the adjustment by twisting one set of steps against its matching part to vary the distance between the two magnetic discs thereby increasing and decreasing the impact of the detents. Rotating the magnets against each other will not change the adjustment. The development of the mechanism took a very long time to come-up with and get right.

By having three separate step sequences, everything stays balanced.

PolarityGear products use the undulating helix to allow consumers to adjust the intermittent torque resistance level for their paper towel or toilet paper holders. Depending on the paper brand, type, thickness and how far along you are consuming the roll, a particular setting will work best in order to tear sheets with one hand.

How to draw the undulating helix with CAD software

 

 

Category: Mechanical Toys

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Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation. Imported from Thingiverse.

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