TV Remote & Controller Organizer

Project Summary: Creating a Remote Control and Xbox Controller Holder Using Laser Printing and Acrylic Material

Introduction

This project involved the design and fabrication of a practical holder to store TV remotes and Xbox controllers. The objective was to develop a custom solution that organizes devices efficiently, addressing the common problem of misplaced remotes and gaming controllers. Utilizing laser cutting technology and acrylic sheets as the primary material, the project aimed to combine aesthetics, functionality, and ease of use. The attached image illustrates the final product in action, showcasing how it holds multiple remotes and an Xbox controller in an accessible and visually appealing manner.

Project Goals and Motivation

Remote controls and gaming controllers are often scattered across living spaces, creating clutter and making it difficult to find the right device when needed. The motivation for this project was to design an elegant yet simple holder that consolidates these items in a single, structured space. The main goals were:

1. Organization: Create a space-efficient way to store TV remotes and controllers.

2. Accessibility: Ensure the items are easy to retrieve and replace.

3. Aesthetics: Provide a neat, clean design that complements the room’s decor.

4. Usability: Develop a durable, user-friendly product suitable for everyday use.

The focus was on minimalistic design principles, leveraging laser-cut acrylic to achieve precision and neatness.

Design Concept and Planning

The design began with brainstorming sessions to outline how the holder would accommodate devices of varying sizes, such as an Xbox controller and different types of remote controls. Considerations included:

• Size and Dimensions: Each slot needed to fit snugly without being too tight, ensuring smooth insertion and removal.

• Stability: The structure required a low center of gravity to prevent toppling over, even with unevenly distributed devices.

• Material Choice: Acrylic sheets were selected for their strength, lightweight nature, and availability in various colors.

• Structure: The holder was designed with multiple horizontal levels to allow the user to stack items in a stepped pattern for easy access.

The initial prototype was sketched on paper, then refined digitally using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This allowed precise measurements to be planned before fabrication.

Fabrication Process

1. Material Preparation

• Acrylic Sheets: 3mm thick acrylic sheets in a solid blue color were selected to achieve a balance between durability and design.

• Laser Cutter Setup: A CO₂ laser cutter was used for precise cutting. Acrylic was chosen because it responds well to laser cutting, producing clean edges without excessive finishing.

2. Design Transfer to Laser Cutter

• The CAD design was converted to a vector file format compatible with the laser cutting machine.

• Each section of the holder was arranged efficiently on the acrylic sheet to minimize waste material.

• Engraving settings were adjusted to ensure that the laser etched the correct depth for any text or design patterns included for aesthetic purposes.

3. Laser Cutting

• The laser cutter produced the individual parts of the holder with high precision. Each slot and edge aligned perfectly with the digital design.

• The edges were smooth, requiring minimal post-processing.

• Components were labeled during the cutting process to ensure proper assembly.

4. Assembly

• The individual pieces were assembled using acrylic glue, which creates a strong, transparent bond. Care was taken to align each part perfectly to maintain the design’s clean lines.

• The stepped design allowed different devices to be inserted at various heights, improving usability.

• Small silicone pads were attached to the bottom to prevent sliding on smooth surfaces.

Final Design and Functionality

The final design consists of a sleek, stepped holder capable of storing multiple devices simultaneously. In the attached image, the product is shown in use, holding:

• An Xbox Controller: The uppermost level holds the controller securely, ensuring it doesn’t slip out.

• Multiple TV Remotes: The lower tiers accommodate remotes of varying sizes, organizing them neatly and making them easily accessible.

The blue acrylic adds a pop of color while maintaining a modern, polished look that fits well in most living spaces. The overall structure is lightweight but sturdy, ensuring that the holder can be moved without the risk of breaking or tipping over.

User Feedback and Iteration

After the first prototype was built, user testing was conducted to gather feedback. Users appreciated the convenience and neatness the holder provided but suggested some minor improvements, including:

• Wider Slots: To accommodate larger remotes and other devices.

• Additional Levels: For users with multiple controllers or remotes.

• Color Options: Some users expressed interest in having the holder available in other colors.

Based on the feedback, future iterations could explore modular designs, allowing users to customize the holder’s layout and color. However, the initial design was well-received for its functionality and visual appeal.

Remarks

This project successfully demonstrated the potential of laser cutting and acrylic materials for practical household solutions. The remote and controller holder provides a convenient way to organize frequently used devices, eliminating clutter and enhancing usability. The process—from concept and design to fabrication and assembly—illustrated the importance of precision and planning in creating functional objects.

Moving forward, the project could inspire additional designs, such as modular holders or versions that integrate wireless charging for controllers. With minimal investment in materials and tools, this project highlights the possibilities of rapid prototyping and laser printing for personalized home accessories. The result is a simple, effective, and attractive product that solves a common problem while showcasing the creative potential of laser-cut designs.

1. Laser Printer
2. Acrylic
3. Glue

Print out all pieces for design

Attach back support portion of design to the bottom layer of the organizer

Attached side piece to bottom and back layer of design

Attach first layer to hold remote

Attach second layer to hold remote

Attached side piece to bottom, back support, and the three layers of remote holders

Attach final piece horizontally across the top layer