Telescoping Butterfly Net

Project Objective & Background

This was a personal project that came about from the need to have a prop with my 2022 Halloween costume as a butterfly catcher. 

Assembled butterfly net in retracted position




Assembled Build

Assembled butterfly net in extended position

Fusion 360 render

Design Inputs

CAD model showing extended and retracted views

Telescoping Mechanism

For extension, I designed the outer tube to have two internal tracks for the inside tube to follow, with full cutouts at the top and bottom so that the inner tube could be rotated relative to the outside tube, keeping it from extending/collapsing accidentally. There are two additional notches at the top of the assembly to lock the inner tube for extra assurance. I considered a screw-in design but wanted the telescoping to be quick. 

Bottom section view of retracted and locked assembly

Net ring with holes for net attachment

Ring for carabiner to clip to pants

Improvements to be made