Metacycle discarded thermos to a children
sidetable lamp
Inspiration:
The idea of a lamp was inpired by the geometry of the flask and its interior elements as well as its resilience
to high temperatures and shock. The flask could still be converted into a lamp without RP by simply throwing some LEDs
with batteries inside. However, the use of RP creates a more complete and functional system as well as a creative and appealing product.
Description:
The geometry and aesthetics of the flask also helped conceive the design of the lamp. It was easy to visualize a a fortress or a light-house shape, additionally, the translucent nature of the flask meant that
silhouettes could be added on the interior to increase the interest of the product.
The target audience here is children, we believe they will be more likely
to value and enjoy the bulky and bold shape. The general transformation
is meant to be playful and fit into the world of children's
furniture.
Castle Top:
The top fits over the threaded enclosure with pressure. The fit is tight
and stable. Little 3d characters and toys could be printed out from the
wide resource of free downloadable 3d files and then placed on the ridge.
Castle Bottom:
A snapping system was designed to fit over the lip that surrounds the
bottom of the flask. Due to discrepancies between the flask and its model,
it only fits comfortably around the threads, and though it is solidly
attached to the bottom (ie, will not fall off) it can too easily be twisted
around on its horizontal axis because it is not a perfect fit. This may
be a problem or an asset depending on the switch system that would be
developed. A plate is suspended in the middle to house the LEDs and other
electronics inside. This plate may later be combined with the LEDs and
a battery snap-fit system Martin Faubert and Jean-François Allie
are developing. It also includes a lip that can accept a thickness of
up to a 1.5 mm cutout that would act as a silhouette.
Cutout:
This cutout could be laser cut from a file, and opens up the possibility
for an unlimited resource of downloadable characters that the child can
choose from to house in his castle. The child or parent could even design
their own 2D cutout and hand-cut it or have it laser cut. Placed inside
the flask in the lip of the bottom, it would create a silhouette through
the translucent red plastic of the flask when the light is switched on.
Although Rapid Prototyping is not the best process to use for the creation
of the cutout, we experimented with a few prints to test the properties
of ABS and the machine's limitations or strengths when handling detail.
We also wanted to find the ideal number of layers possible for a flexible
but sturdy flat piece. The flexibilty is essential to curve the cutout
so it can fit comfortably into the side of the flask to provide a clear
silhouette. Printing the dragon pre-curved may result in a sturdier piece,
but would require more printing time, energy and support material. |
