Electric Swing Component

Stephen Mowan Oakdale, Connecticut, USA Montville High School Instructor: Dan Healy I have lost track of the number of times I have seen kids with seemingly unlimited energy. That got me thinking, “Why not use that energy to make electricity in a fun and easy way?” My design uses the motion of a swing to move a magnet bar around a metal coil. The magnet is connected to two quick links, one on either side, that connect to the chains or ropes of the swing. This allows the magnet to move, which is essential to the device’s ability to produce electricity. For safety purposes, the coil is around 2 rubber tubes, one inside of the other. The rubber tubes as well as the coil go around the swing go around the top pole of the swing. Also, a two-part case made of ABS surrounds most of the device. The case is closed using bolts to make quick fixes and adjustments easier. Once wires are attached to the ends of the coil to form a closed circuit, the device will make electricity. My device is fit for a standard swing with 20 inches between the chains/ropes of the swing, but custom sizes can be made for wider or thinner swings. With my device, every time a kid swings on a swing set, they will produce free electricity that reduces the carbon footprint we leave behind on this Earth.