Sega Saturn Sophia CD drive latch 3D printable replacement

Hi folks, I've just starting working on repairing some Sega Saturn Sophia systems and one thing I've noticed on two of them is the top loading CD drive latch plastic may become brittle and snap. This is a problem because the CD drive lid won't stay closed and reading a disk would require you to manually trigger the sensor on the inside left side of the drive.

However, a solution is to 3D print a replacement! I'm no engineer and don't have SOLIDWORKS, but for simple parts like this I've found I can quickly throw together a model in the 3D animation software Blender, export it to .stl and 3D print. In this case, here's the broken part next to the 3D printed replacement:
[GALLERY=media, 2570]3D printed part vs original part by Shane Battye posted Mar 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM[/GALLERY]

The 3D model can be downloaded from here for 3D printing https://grabcad.com/library/sega-saturn-sophia-cd-latch-replacement-1 or shoot me a DM and I can email it.

To make this part I just used a ruler and Blender to draw up a wireframe model, starting from a simple cube primitive shape:
[GALLERY=media, 2566]Wireframe model of latch in Blender by Shane Battye posted Mar 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM[/GALLERY]

I set the 3D printer to 0.2mm and 'Fine' setting with loose fill (one step before solid). I wanted some flexibility to be retained in the model. Notice I left a hole in the model for a metal axle rather than attempting to 3D print that component; it was easier and stronger to slot a cut down M3 bolt to act as the axle.
[GALLERY=media, 2568]3D printed replacement latch for Sega Saturn Sophia CD drive lid by Shane Battye posted Mar 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM[/GALLERY]

This was intended to just be a rough test model and print to check sizes, but it actually worked!
[GALLERY=media, 2569]3D printed replacement latch for Sega Saturn Sophia CD drive in position and works! by Shane Battye posted Mar 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM[/GALLERY]

Note that a second component to the latch mechanism is also broken in this unit (that little piece stickied to the underside of the drive on the right. I'll work out a 3D printable replacement for that part too which will probably attached with a broad surface using superglue to the underside of the drive tray.
[GALLERY=media, 2567]The broken latch by Shane Battye posted Mar 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM[/GALLERY]

 

Nice work! What printer do you have?

 

It's an Up Box. Probably the most unreliable 3D printer I've ever used but handy for big prints. The Up Plus 2 was fantastic, so reliable. The Up Box however, I've had to replace the PCB in the print head, attempt multiple redesigns of the filament feeder slot, replace the flat ribbon cable that runs from the print head to the main board and even now it will randomly decide to start air printing or throw an over temp warning from the nozzle. I would not recommend it.

 

Updated and improved version now available https://grabcad.com/library/sega-saturn-sophia-cd-latch-replacement-1

Version 2b improvements:

• narrower and slightly higher spring bar
• lower position on the smaller grabber arm