Mechanically Powered Flashlight

FAN LIGHT

XII - 9 GROUP 9

MEMBERS: LAYUG, VALIX, VELASCO, VILLARET, VILLARUEL, ZARATE

PHASE TWO

I. Present technology

Overview of the present machine is from Revolvy.com "Mechanically Powered Flashlight". A mechanically powered flashlight requires physical force by hand (such as squeezing handles, winding cranks, or shaking the machine itself) in order to generate electricity. However, it does not require battery replacement and electrical recharge. The aforementioned physical forces are used in order to create the power required by the flashlight. Batteries, capacitors, springs, and flywheels are also techniques to distinguish the flashlight.

This kind of flashlight is ready-to-use and kept for emergencies such as power shortages. It is useful for remote locations for survival purposes; because unlike ordinary flashlights, it is not limited in terms of battery power. Also, it does not waste resources while producing energy, and it does not contain toxic particles and heavy metals that may be harmful to our surroundings. This is why it is considered as green technology, unlike ordinary flashlights which use disposable batteries.

II. History

First there was fire, man’s only source of heat and light in the early years of humanity. Later generations, humans utilized the use of fire and created torches and soon candles, made of wax and wick with the latter being the one burnt, and lanterns, which used kerosine, were imposed, and it was a mechanism that made traveling with a candle easier. In the 18th Century, Thomas Edison founded electricity and invented the light bulb. They soon raised demands in marketing and economic industries.

It is commonly know as "mechanically powered flashlight"; it is a flashlight generated by muscle power of the user which transmits energy. It does not require any kind of battery or any form of an electrical source. It works by squeezing the handle, which winds the crank which causes the gears to rotate and create friction to produce energy to power the machine.

One minute of cranking typically provides about 30 to 60 minutes of light. It has the advantage that it doesn't have to be pumped continually. However it may be less reliable as an emergency light, due to the rechargeable battery it contains eventually wears out. The lithium-ion cells used are typically rated for around 500 charges.