A modular system for making, displaying, and holding hexagonal badges
This is a work in progress.
The idea is to create a badging system which is of course reusable by others, but specifically for Public Invention. The idea is to make a standard 3D printable badges in a hexagonal form, and a set of holders to hold them in place, much like military ribbon holders.
Becasue the system must be remountable when a volunteer is given a new badge, I imagine a system in which the badges are tied on to the backing by running a relatively heavy cord (like fishing line) through the backing, locking the badges in place, and then tied and untied as needed. The backing will be a partial honeycomb. We intend to make the backing have holes, in anticipationg of making an LED illumination system.
This badging system is meant to be interested to the public, who knows little about Public Invention. Therefore, a 3D printable system that makes each badge interesting, perhaps generating a question, seems appropriate. For example, a 3D printable badge can show text but can show a bas relief of something related to a particular team, invention, or function. At the same time, the system is meant to make the Public Inventor feel proud of their accomplishments. Finally, the badging system informs the viewer about the skills, interests, and accomplishments of the wearer.
US Astronauts design their own badges (which are cloth, not 3D printed) for their own missions with symbols and mottoes which are meaningful to the team.
The Public Invention colors are Green and White---and that color theam should be used.
- Public Inventor of the Year
- Invention Coach of the Year
- Public Inventor
- Invention Coach
- Project (customized by the team)
- Skill badges
- Staff badges
The US Girl Scout badges are 1.5" in diameter. We suggest hexagons with are 1.5 cm on a size, which is 3 cm from point-to-point. This is slightly smaller than a girl scout badge.
Although not yet created, we imagine and OpenSCAD implementation that allows badges and holders to be implemented. Each new badge should be a bas relif addition to a standard backing.