Mechanical Clicker Keychain | Product

Mechanical Clicker Keychain | Product Design, CAD Modeling & Design for Manufacturing

Simple products are often the most challenging to design well. This project explores the development of a compact mechanical clicker keychain that combines satisfying tactile feedback with a clean, durable, and manufacturing-friendly enclosure.

The objective was to create a pocket-sized everyday carry (EDC) accessory that feels premium, is comfortable to use repeatedly, and can be efficiently manufactured. The design process focused on balancing ergonomics, aesthetics, structural integrity, and ease of assembly while keeping the overall form compact enough for daily carry.

The product was developed as a fully parametric SolidWorks model, allowing every feature to be refined throughout the design process. I designed the enclosure around a mechanical switch assembly, incorporating internal alignment posts, snap-fit features, reinforcing ribs, optimized wall thicknesses, and smooth fillets to improve durability and manufacturability. The housing was also optimized for FDM 3D printing, reducing support material while maintaining strength and dimensional accuracy.

To communicate the complete engineering process, I created exploded assembly views, cutaway visualizations, internal component layouts, manufacturing optimization studies, and presentation-ready renders. These assets demonstrate not only the appearance of the product but also how it is assembled, functions internally, and can transition from prototype to production.

This project showcases my end-to-end product development workflow—from concept refinement and CAD engineering to design for manufacturing (DFM), rapid prototyping, and professional product visualization.

Project Highlights

Consumer product design

Mechanical product development

SolidWorks parametric CAD modeling

Enclosure and housing design

Snap-fit feature design

Exploded assembly creation

Internal component integration

Cutaway and section visualizations

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

FDM 3D printing optimization

Product rendering and presentation

Tools Used

SolidWorks • Industrial Design • Product Design • 3D CAD Modeling • Mechanical Design • Plastic Part Design • Snap-Fit Design • Product Visualization • Rapid Prototyping • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)