3D printed lock for Ford NACS adapter

[babgvant]

I haven't used Fusion 360. I've been using FreeCad. But I can share a step file that you can use. I have a new design in process that I think is better. I'll finish that up and can share.

Would you be willing to share the Freecad file (fcstd)?

Sponsored

 

[JustBob]

Would you be willing to share the Freecad file (fcstd)?

Sure. I can add that tonight.

 

[timbop]

Have you tried using it on a car? When you slide the body of the lock towards the car, it very quickly begins to block the locking bar from going up all the way - you essentially have to leave it covering part of the release button in order for the release bar to be able to go up far enough to disengage from the car. I'm thinking if the body of the lock was about 5mm shorter you'd be able to uncover the whole release button while not blocking the bar from going all the way up

 

[JustBob]

Have you tried using it on a car? When you slide the body of the lock towards the car, it very quickly begins to block the locking bar from going up all the way - you essentially have to leave it covering part of the release button in order for the release bar to be able to go up far enough to disengage from the car. I'm thinking if the body of the lock was about 5mm shorter you'd be able to uncover the whole release button while not blocking the bar from going all the way up

I actually started with a shorter version, but thought it could be forced further up (away from the car) enough to expose part of the release button when locked. I've used it on my car and agree you need to slide it down (towards the car) just enough to push the button.

 

[jason330i]

Gonna try it out on a road trip soon. Thanks again!

 

[bshaw]

Gonna try it out on a road trip soon. Thanks again!

The only way to test this is….. you post in this forum where you’re going to be charging and someone comes by and tries to (fake) steal your adapter. Otherwise, hey it looks great and nice job designing a great accessory. You have to test what someone walking up to the car would do, otherwise that’s not a test.

I don’t mean to be dismissive, this was an amazing add on to something that was overlooked by Ford. But, let’s test it for real before saying its steal proof.

 

[geftsnowball]

The only way to test this is….. you post in this forum where you’re going to be charging and someone comes by and tries to (fake) steal your adapter. Otherwise, hey it looks great and nice job designing a great accessory. You have to test what someone walking up to the car would do, otherwise that’s not a test.

I don’t mean to be dismissive, this was an amazing add on to something that was overlooked by Ford. But, let’s test it for real before saying its steal proof.

I could be wrong but... has anyone asserted that this is steal proof? Seems like quite a negative take. In my opinion, this is just a casual "Hey look! Easy free adapter, click-release-snag" deterrent, rather than something that is "steal proof" as you state.

If someone has physical access and it is unattended, I highly doubt there is a "steal proof" solution. The determined will get through any locking adapter. Even the metal solution I saw on another thread isn't "steal proof" and most locks are barely a deterrent for the determined or knowledgeable (Lockpicking Lawyer anyone?).

Anyways, maybe some positivity would help with sounding less dismissive. How about, this looks like it will be as much of a theft deterrent as a Master Lock™ on your back yard shed. ?

 

[timbop]

The only way to test this is….. you post in this forum where you’re going to be charging and someone comes by and tries to (fake) steal your adapter. Otherwise, hey it looks great and nice job designing a great accessory. You have to test what someone walking up to the car would do, otherwise that’s not a test.

I don’t mean to be dismissive, this was an amazing add on to something that was overlooked by Ford. But, let’s test it for real before saying its steal proof.

Clearly nothing is "steal proof". If you were standing there the whole time charging you could be coerced to give up not just the adapter but potentially your wallet and car - even if you were armed.

The design is very good for the kind of casual theft you'd likely encounter during a 20 to 40 minute charging stop.

 

[geftsnowball]

No offense, but you sound like you could find a downside to anything.

I'd rather have a fisher price "my first lock" on a $300+ adapter in a spot vulnerable to low IQ troglodytes than nothing at all, or worse, just cynicism.

Eh? What? My reply was saying it's better than nothing and doesn't need to be "steal proof" (and likely can't be) to be useful.

 

[SXBB]

I'd love to get an STL file of this if possible.

Thanks

 

[geftsnowball]

I'd love to get an STL file of this if possible.

Thanks

Looks like they are in posts #38 and #40 but not updated in the OP (@JustBob). Not sure if the "Download all files" still isn't working for one of the designs, I had to manually download each part because thingiverse didn't actually package up all files with the download all link.

 

[SXBB]

Looks like they are in posts #38 and #40 but not updated in the OP (@JustBob). Not sure if the "Download all files" still isn't working for one of the designs, I had to manually download each part because thingiverse didn't actually package up all files with the download all link.

Excellent Thanks

 

[Mach-Lee]

I've made a couple other 3D printed locks for the NACS adapter. Both of these can be added after the adapter is installed in the Mach-E's charging port. They go into the gap above the release lever to prevent it from moving.

First one is just a block that wedges into the gap. It fits tightly so it can't be removed by fingers. A printed "key" can be snapped into it to remove the block. Meant to be more of a hidden lock.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6695435

Still working on refining these, but I've tested both and they work pretty well.

That's a much better simpler solution IMO, similar to what I came up with.

 

[jason330i]

The lock worked great for us while we did a little shopping at the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. Had to take up two stalls, but there were plenty available.

 

[wsl346]

I've made a couple other 3D printed locks for the NACS adapter. Both of these can be added after the adapter is installed in the Mach-E's charging port. They go into the gap above the release lever to prevent it from moving.

First one is just a block that wedges into the gap. It fits tightly so it can't be removed by fingers. A printed "key" can be snapped into it to remove the block. Meant to be more of a hidden lock.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6695435


Second one is similar but uses 2 pieces that fit into the gap and lock together with a padlock.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6696185


Still working on refining these, but I've tested both and they work pretty well.

I’m a Lightning owner but I wanted to stop by and say I found this thread via google and printed out your wedge "lock". Your design is awesome and fits perfectly in the Lightning's charge port as well (looks like the actual charging receptacle is exactly the same as the Mach-E which isn't surprising). I look forward to using it on an upcoming trip. Although it's unlikely for my adapter to be stolen, I'm confident this wedge will be effective in keeping honest people honest. Thanks!

Video of the printed wedge in action:

Sponsored