● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
DIY 3D-Printed Dog Foxtail Protection Helmet Developed After Commercial Product Shortcomings
Key points
- Foxtail weeds pose a health risk to dogs in the Bay Area.
- A commercial product, the Outfox Field Guard, was found to have design flaws.
- A custom 3D-printed helmet was designed with replaceable mesh inserts.
- An iPhone's TrueDepth sensor and Scandy Pro app were used for 3D scanning the dog.
The Foxtail Problem
Foxtail weeds are a significant hazard for dogs in areas like the SF Bay Area. Their barbed seeds can migrate into a dog's ears, nose, eyes, or skin, causing infections and potentially severe health issues. The author's dog, Hildegard, experienced a foxtail injury requiring veterinary attention.
Limitations of Existing Solutions
The author initially purchased an "Outfox Field Guard," a mesh bag designed to protect a dog's head. However, this product presented issues with fit, durability, and restricted the dog's ability to carry items in its mouth. These shortcomings prompted the development of a custom solution.
Custom 3D-Printed Design
The new design features a thin helmet shell conforming to the dog's head shape. This helmet incorporates replaceable mesh inserts for the nose and ears, aiming to improve breathability and maintain the dog's senses while offering better protection and durability than the commercial alternative.
3D Scanning Challenges and Solutions
Scanning a dog for 3D design presented difficulties due to their irregular shapes, fur, and movement. Traditional 3D scanners, like the HP SLS 3, were unsuitable. The author successfully used an iPhone's TrueDepth sensor with the Scandy Pro app as an alternative for capturing the necessary 3D data for the custom helmet.
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Primary sources
GitHub railsr/autm-rbReporting from
An individual designed and 3D-printed a custom protective helmet for their dog to guard against foxtail weeds, after finding existing commercial solutions inadequate. The project utilized an iPhone's TrueDepth sensor for 3D scanning the dog's head, addressing challenges with traditional scanners and animal subjects.