Portable lighting

Tyler Harms Grand Haven High School, Grand Haven Michigan Instructor: Jeremy Case In many parts of this world that we all share together people struggle with things people in the developed world take for granted. One thing is lighting, When the sun goes down we can keep working but in places like Africa where many parts are underdeveloped they have to quit money making activities when the sun sets. Students also can no longer do school work that would break the cycle of poverty. This is what this design is all about, letting the undeveloped get a chance to let the light shine and hopefully change the world. With a cheap solar powered light that is inexpensive with the advent of inexpensive FDM 3D printers. People in need could keep the solar powered light out during the day to take in the sun's rays and store till the sun sets. This could help the 600 million people in Africa alone that do not have access to electricity according to Lighting Africa project. The design of this uses minimal amounts plastic and complex designs to keep it easier to build in the field where it is need the most. The components that are not 3D printed can be purchased inexpensively and few are needed. All parts are attached with snap components except the solar panel that will use outdoor adhesive to allow the most light in. To keep cost down FDM 3D printing would be used. This would allow the light to be manufactured inexpensively and replacement parts could also be created just as inexpensively. The plastic that would be used is PETG because of it excellent properties. It is very strong has high temperature resistance and a heated bed is not need. This is excellent for more inexpensive 3D printers unlike ABS that tends to warp without a heated bed or enclosure.