Function

'Free light' is a light that utilises human power to provide light. This is achieved by converting kinetic energy into electrical. Consisting of a pull cord mechanism and a series of internal mechanisms the product is able to generate a short duration of light.

Inspiration

Energy is increasingly becoming a more valuable and ever expensive commodity. With a finite number of raw materials, diminishing oil reserves and the dangers, unattractive and unsustainable aspects of alternative energy solutions such as nuclear power, 'free light' is the creation of a product that tries to tackle these issues. The aim being a more sustainable solution that is inexpensive and has no reliance on the electrical grid system for the provision of light. Looking to the era of pre- industrialisation, and utilising mechanics and human power to fulfil its function.

Development

The idea was developed in three main stages. The first stage involved attending an energy harvesting conference and buying/ taking apart existing products that fall within this area of interest. Done to analyse and understand the functioning of existing human powered devices and to indicate limitations and the potential scope of ideas to be generated. The second stage involved implementing this knowledge to develop concepts including sketches and early phase models. In turn, developing the electronic circuitry for testing. The third stage involved optimising the design. Improving the circuitry and mechanics. Getting quantifiable measurements to measure the amount of current and voltage output from the electromagnetic inductive component. The production of iterative models resulting in the construction of a fully working constructed prototype.