Engineering the Spark of Curiosity
Zor Deca Mechanical Mug Holder | STEM Kit
We offer tiered bulk pricing, STEM concepts, NGSS curriculum mapping, and accept Purchase Orders.
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ZOR represents strength. DECA represents the 10th iteration.
Zor Deca is a multi-disciplinary engineering system designed to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and functional utility. It goes beyond single-use kits and operates as a dual-value asset. Students build a hands-on mechanical assembly module that transforms into a functional desk accessory. This kit allows students to learn about linear-to-rotational kinetic conversions, constrained motion paths and precision mechanical tolerances.
Key Features
- Synchronized Gear-Driven Grip: Features a 3-gear train that coordinates the stacked fingers and thumb to move in perfect synchronization and ensures an even hold on objects up to 3.5 inches wide.
- Mechanical Adjustment: Engineered with 3 precise click positions. Press the rear push button to expand the mechanism or push the fingers inward for a tighter grasp.
- Multi-Surface Traction & Protection: Lined with rubber pads on the fingers, base top and base bottom to maximize desktop stability and optimize grip friction when holding objects.
- Industrial-Grade Durability: Built with durable ABS plastic and reinforced with industrial metal hardware fasteners for long-term classroom and daily use.
What's in the Box
🛠️ Mechanical Components & Hardware
| Part ID | Component Name | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Base Chassis | 1 |
| TC | Top Cover | 1 |
| FPB | Finger Palm Block | 1 |
| TPB | Thumb Palm Block | 1 |
| F1 | Finger | 2 |
| T1 | Thumb | 1 |
| G1 | Spur Gear | 1 |
| G2 | Spur Gear | 1 |
| IG | Idler Gear | 1 |
| SP | Spacer | 1 |
| FMB | Finger Moving Block | 1 |
| TMB | Thumb Moving Block | 1 |
| 10mm | 10mm Screws + Flat Washers | 4 |
| 12mm | 12mm Screws + Flat Washers | 3 |
| 25mm | 25mm Screws + Flat Washers | 2 |
| Grease | Synthetic Grease Tube | 1 |
📦 Included Extras & Resources
- Pre-Applied Rubber Pads: Non-slip rubber pads pre-installed on key contact surfaces for grip and surface protection.
- 4x6 Quick-Start Insert Card: Features a parts checklist and QR codes linking directly to the Assembly Manual (PDF) and STEM Concepts Mapping & NGSS Standards (PDF).
Institutional Purchases & POs
We accept Purchase Orders (POs) and offer tax-exempt educational bulk pricing. Please visit our STEM Curriculum & Resources Page for more info.
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SPECIFICATIONS & CURRICULUM
STEM Concepts Covered
Zor Deca functions as a tangible engineering artifact. Through its assembly and operation, students directly learn the following principles of physics, engineering, and mathematics:
- Kinetic Energy Conversion: Pushing the moving blocks drives the palm components linearly, spinning the gear train (G1/G2/IG) to demonstrate how linear motion translates to rotational torque and back to linear motion.
- Pawl-and-Ratchet Mechanics: Explores one-way mechanical locking systems. An internal spring applies continuous tension to drop the locking pawl cleanly into the gear teeth and stores elastic potential energy until overridden by the release button.
- Dovetail Joints & Constrained Motion: Illustrates classic engineering joints via
the sliding male/female dovetails on the palm blocks and shows how to restrict
travel perfectly straight along a single-track wall under high pressure. - Friction Optimization: Explores how material thicknesses change mechanical
resistance. Features a thick 1/16-inch rubber pad on the base for desk
traction, thinner 1/32-inch pads on the claws for mug grip and a grease packet
to eliminate friction between parts. - Tolerances & Center of Gravity: Teaches students about clearance fits, interference fits and tipping points. Shows how low center of gravity secures
standard cups and vessels exceeding 5.5 inches high shift the balance limit to teach stability constraints.
Full Framework: For a detailed breakdown of academic principles, view our STEM Curriculum & Resources Page.
Classroom Safety & Pre-Assembled Modules
Intentional Architecture for Frictionless Classrooms: To protect tiny internal components from being lost or damaged in a fast-paced learning environment, the most complex mechanisms come pre-assembled to let students focus 100% of their lab time on core mechanical logic and synchronization.
- Base Locking Module: The structural base (B1) arrives with the internal locking
pawl, compression spring, release button, and 1/16-inch desktop rubber pad
completely pre-installed. - Mug Contact Liners: The top cover (TC), claw fingers (F1) and thumb gripper (T1) all feature their slip-resistant 1/32-inch rubber grip liners pre-attached.
Kit Contents
- 1x Circular Base Module (B1) with pre-assembled
internal locking system - 1x Top Cover Plate (TC) with rubber
pad - 2x Claw-Shaped Mechanical Fingers
(F1) - 1x Claw-Shaped Thumb with embedded
steel pin (T1) - 2x Spur Gears (G1, G2)
- 1x Idler Gear (IG)
- 2x Linear Sliding Moving Blocks
(FMB, TMB) - 2x Palm Blocks (FPB, TPB)
- 1x Spacer (SP)
- 2x 25mm Screws with matching flat
washers - 3x 12mm Screws with matching flat
washers - 4x 10mm Screws with matching flat
washers - 1x Grease Tube (0.5ml) with 1
toothpick for application - 1x Step-by-Step Study
Documentation and Video link
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
- Base Diameter: 5 Inches
- Total Module Height: 4
Inches - Maximum Vessel Capacity:
Accommodates diameters up to 3.5 inches (Not recommended for vessels exceeding
5.5 inches in height due to center of gravity constraints). - Materials: Durable ABS
plastic reinforced with metal hardware fasteners and rubber pads.
Made in USA.