lavrans laading: mechanical flashlight

flashlight by lavrans laading

the project is a totally mechanical flashlight, using no electronics at all except for a LED. the target being a longlasting  object, an electric appliance that can become a heritage object. electric products are doomed to failure as they rely on external technologies like power outlets or batteries. their lifetime is limited by changing standards and unstable battery chemistry. this flashlight is a reaction to this, and is based on mechanical energy storage instead of batteries. the flashlight is spring loaded, and winds up. once winded up, it slowly releases the energy through a generator powering a LED. it contains essentially no chemicals, is recyclable, durable and repairable.  the prototype can run up to 2 – 3 minutes one one charge, which could be extended by better engineering. from a design point of view, it is kept to the user interface. ribs for the grip, twirling towards the rotation point as an invitation to twist it further.

flashlight by lavrans laading

flashlight by lavrans laading flashlight by lavrans laading

flashlight, detail,  by lavrans laading

flashlight,  by lavrans laading