Introduction: Simple Childproof Stove Locks

By

I got this idea as I was cooking, and my toddler came up and decided to help by turning on all of the burners. I decided the easiest way to childproof these, would be to simply print a spacer that doesn't allow the knob to be pushed in, preventing it from turning or sparking. I have included the .stl and Fusion 360 file for easy modification.

Supplies

  • Something to measure, calipers will be more precise, but a ruler will still work
  • 3D printer
  • filament I used PETG for it's higher temperature resistance, as the faceplate of my stove gets warm, but not hot.

Step 1: Measure

Measure the diameter of the stem, the diameter of the knob, and the space between the knob and the rest of the stove. This last measurement is the most important, as it is the key to the operation of the piece.

Step 2: Design

I went with the classic circle design because it's easy, but if you want yours to look like a peacock, or a puffer fish, go for it. You don't have to make it the full diameter of the knob, but I recommend at least 1cm all the way around the stem of the knob. I used Fusion 360 for the design process, but tinkercad and other 3D model software will do, as we are only using simple shapes and techniques here.
  1. First, create a cylinder to make up the spacer. The height of this piece should be the width of the space between the knob and the rest of your stove.
  2. Create another cylinder, performing a cut operation, in the center of the first that is the diameter of the stem of your knob, plus 0.5-1mm (depending on how quirky your printer is) for clearance. It should fit snug, not loose.
  3. create a box, performing a cut operation, with the top edge in line with the center of the hole made in the previous step. The box should be the same width as the hole, line up with both edges of the hole, and extend through the bottom of the piece to create a single channel from the outer edge to the center.
  4. Create another 5mmx15mmx11mm boxat the top to form the tab to be able to easily remove the stove lock.
  5. Remember to Fillet (select edge and press "F" in fusion 360) your edges. We are child proofing after all.

Step 3: Print and Test

In Fusion 360, right click "body 1" in the side panel, and select "save as stl" to export the 3D object as an stl.

bring the model into your slicer of choice, and print.

I printed mine in PETG at a 0.3mm layer height, with a brim.

I used 20% infill, as it was the default, but you could definitely get away with 10 or 15%

Now all you have to do is hope that your child learns not to turn on the stove before they learn how to pull out the new child locks.

Attachments