MoonSun

MoonSun is a luminaire that seeks to have 2 different types of light (warm and cold) according to the needs of the user, taking their participation for the mentioned change. The luminaire has the opportunity to increase its intensity up to 3 levels for better lighting at night.

What is sought with this project is to provide better lighting in the work area, which allows the user to continue with their daily tasks without having to strain their eyes, thanks to the correct lighting.

The interaction that the user has with the lamp is unique, since the user turns the lamp, the desired change of light will be obtained and when touching the base the intensity will increase according to the required lighting.

MOTIVATION

As students, technologies are a tool that follows us and allows us to create new work tools. We decided to make a luminaire that had the direct participation of the user and that he decides what lighting he wants according to the needs that arise every day. We chose a smart lumaire to learn more about the operation and mechanism of our electronic products. We also wanted to be able to create a tutorial so that people don't make the same mistakes we did and for the next time they can solve it in an easier and faster way.

CHALLENGE

While carrying out the project we encountered different challenges. The biggest challenge was when making the internal connections of the luminaire and the component location so that the entrance of the tabs was direct (that they fit) and the current could pass so that the bulbs could light up.

INTRODUCTION FOLLOW-UP

The best way to learn is by observing other peoples' mistakes, we believe that when we tell our experience creating the luminaire and telling the most challenging parts, they will have the opportunity to find easier ways to achieve a better result. The most that a person can learn with our instructions is the different types of dimmers and switches that there are, as well as the necessary connections that are needed to achieve a good result.

In addition, having direct contact with the technology that is involved in a product, improves the interest and knowledge of the products that we use every day and thus we learn how and why of its function.

Following this instructable is an experience that will leave you with a lot of new knowledge, as well as it challenges you and you will enjoy every step of the process. You will learn to weld, work with metals and use the different types of dimmers and switches.

List of Materials and Tools

- Metal for the base - Dimmer touch - 6 tabs - 2 magnets - Socket

- 2 LED light bulbs, one warm, one cold - Reed switch - Cable for current - Bakelite plate

- Polopropylene sheet - Wires caliber 14

- Insulating tape

Tools

- Metal workshop - Tinkercad

What we would mainly change in the manufacturing process and selection of materials would be the tabs or their arrangement, since it was what caused us the most conflict while assembling the product, since its entire structure was made of metal and it couldn't collide with it.

As a recommendation, the form and function of the product is not a desirable modification as it is interactive with the user and that creates a better experience.

The size of the luminaire may vary. The following steps are general measures that can be edited according to the user. However, the sizes of the internal elements must be considered.

Steps for the external base

1. Cutting of metals in a circle shape with walls (assistance in workshops and expert teachers)

a. Two of the same size for the ends of the luminaire

b. One for the center of the luminaire

c. A larger base

2. Cutting of the metal tubes that will be the support of the end metals (welding) (see image)

3. Drill small holes in the metal lid for the tabs

4. Cut the polypropylene in the shape of a truncated cone. The shape of the figure can be made directly in AUTOCAD to later be laser cut in MDF and marked on the material to be cut by hand.

Steps for the internal programming of the luminaire that is placed at the ends of the structure

1. Attach the reed switch to the bakelite for better support

2. Connect the wires gauge 14 gauge to the bulb

3. Place the tabs in the holes without touching metal (use insulating material)

4. Make the connection of one of the cables of the bulb to the bakelite and the other to one of the tabs

5. Place one of the magnets on top of the reed switch

6. Repeat steps to bulb number 2

Steps for the internal programming of the base

1. Place the tabs in the holes without touching metal (use insulating material)

2. Weld the tubes to the ends of the metals for the support

3. Stick the dimmer touch in the center of the base (below the cover)

4. From touch dimmer connect:

a. Yellow wire with metal directly to metal

b. Red cable with a socket cord and patch cord

c. Black wire to the other wire and one to one of the tabs

d. White wire to tabs

Learned lessons

The tabs CANNOT touch the metal nor each other because it creates a short circuit and the measurements of the holes as of any other detail must be well planned taking into account the thickness of the material to be used.

The actions that have to be carried out in order to achieve the assembly in an adequate way is first of all to have all the pieces of the luminaire structure in excellent condition to be able to start the welding and join them. At the end of this, the arrangement of all the cables, dimmers and switches inside the body begins, at each end of the product a reed switch will be placed together with its respective magnet and two tabs that will be the ones that will connect with the tabs of the base. In the center of the body there will be two LED spotlights with different types of lighting. The base will have the dimmer along with their respective tabs. When we are sure that everything works properly, we will close the product structure with our plastic. And you're done with the assembly.

Some of the advice that we could give you is that when you put the tabs, surround them with plastic so that they do not have any problem with the metal, as well as making holes surrounded by insulating tape to ensure the space.

The first thing we recommend while testing is the function of the luminaire mechanism, in order to be sure that it works properly. At the moment of having this, do the test with the lamp's body even without gluing everything to be able to move components in case of making any mistakes. If at any time the product begins to fail or something, the first thing you have to check is that the magnets are positioned properly and the tabs are touching, but do not forget that the tabs cannot collide with each other or touch the metal because this will cause a short.

It was quite a challenge for us but we really enjoyed doing it and learning new things. At the time of starting the product we had no idea how we were going to achieve it but little by little and learning along the way we achieved an incredible result. Leave us in the comments what you did differently to achieve improvements when making the luminaire, I hope you enjoy doing it as much as we do. Do not forget that the road is complicated but the important thing is not to give up.

DESIGN BY

Adriana Bernal

Aldo Aguirre

Sandy Núñez

Ursula Orozco