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Comment by hk1337 | Hacker News Reader

I like the design but it seems rather complicated with all the little crevices and such.

1. I would like to see just a solid block on the front, redesign it so when I stick the phone to the MagSafe, because it will hold, the phone completes the design rather than fitting it into the hollowed out piece. The phone should be able to just be placed on the front and let the MagSafe hold it in place. I should be able to just grab my phone and go, not have to poke it from the back.

2. The MagSafe charger used is fine for proof of concept but I would like to see the MagSafe part better integrated into the stand like it is with the TwelveSouth HiRise 3 (not the deluxe)

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OP Here.

1. In the blog post I actually worked on that for a few days. But I didn't like it as much I liked this one.

2. Unfortunately the default Apple MagSafe charger that I can use as a customer isn't easily bendable like that. TwelveSouth and other companies use custom parts, so it's possible to integrate them in a better way.

There would be no need to “bend” the MagSafe charger. The TwelveSouth design keeps the entire MagSafe area (I.e. everything within the ring of magnets), completely flat. I doubt Apple would let you customise the MagSafe connectors physical properties if your within their accessories program.

Going back to OP’s original constraints, what would you 3D print to meet this?

The appear of the design is that you just slot in a USB MagSafe charger. There’s no custom electronics involved at all.

Depends how fussy you want to be. But it would be pretty easy to design the MagSafe holder so you insert the charger from behind, and there’s a thin layer over the front to hide the charger itself.

Or if you want to get really fancy, the MagSafe magnet arrangement is well documented, and you can easily buy adhesive magnets that arrive in the correct pattern and orientation, which would allow you to embed the magnets completely within the print, and later add a standard Qi charger to provide power.

I’ve personally torn down Qi chargers and embedded them in furniture to create completely integrated, and “invisible” wireless chargers. On the whole it’s pretty easy todo, only major downside is higher power losses because there’s more space between the charging coil and the phone, and your coil alignment will be less accurate than Apple. But it’s still a completely functional charger.

#2 I think would only be relevant if someone were going to mass produce and sell the item. As 3D print DIY project, it's sufficient.

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