Mechanically powered flashlight: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Knijpkat_996637.JPG|thumb|Interior of a dyno torch]]
[[Image:Knijpkat_996637.JPG|thumb|Interior of a dyno torch]]


A '''mechanically powered flashlight''' is one of several varieties of flashlights that do not use batteries, but rather depend on mechanical movement by the user to generate enough electrical current to power a miniature [[incandescent bulb]] or [[light-emitting diode]].
A '''mechanically powered flashlight''' is one of several varieties of flashlights that do not use batteries, but rather depend on mechanical movement by the user to generate enough electrical current to power a miniature [[incandescent bulb]] or light-emitting diode.


== Dyno torch ==
== Dyno torch ==
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=== Dyno torch design ===
=== Dyno torch design ===
In the photo, the L-shaped handle spins a gear, which in turn spins the dark grey [[magnet]] mounted on a [[flywheel]], seen on the left. The magnet induces an electrical current in the red copper winding, seen on the right. The current from the copper winding flows through the incandescent bulb filament (not shown). Because electrical power is only produced when the handle is squeezed, a [[switch]] is not needed. The flywheel makes sure the light is fairly constant, despite the fact that the power supply (the squeezing) is intermittent.
In the photo, the L-shaped handle spins a gear, which in turn spins the dark grey magnet mounted on a [[flywheel]], seen on the left. The magnet induces an electrical current in the red copper winding, seen on the right. The current from the copper winding flows through the incandescent bulb filament (not shown). Because electrical power is only produced when the handle is squeezed, a [[switch]] is not needed. The flywheel makes sure the light is fairly constant, despite the fact that the power supply (the squeezing) is intermittent.


== Faraday flashlight ==
== Faraday flashlight ==
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The '''Faraday flashlight''' is another design of mechanically-powered sold via [[direct marketing]] campaigns beginning in [[2002]].  
The '''Faraday flashlight''' is another design of mechanically-powered sold via [[direct marketing]] campaigns beginning in [[2002]].  


The Faraday flashlight contains a [[super capacitor]] and charging mechanism that uses [[Electromagnetic induction|induction]] to power a high-intensity white [[LED]] array. Simply shaking the light for about thirty seconds provides about five minutes of light. Shaking the unit for 10 to 15 seconds every 2 or 3 minutes as necessary permits the device to be used continuously. This particular design of flashlight is documented in [[United States patent]] #6729744.
The Faraday flashlight contains a [[super capacitor]] and charging mechanism that uses induction to power a high-intensity white LED array. Simply shaking the light for about thirty seconds provides about five minutes of light. Shaking the unit for 10 to 15 seconds every 2 or 3 minutes as necessary permits the device to be used continuously. This particular design of flashlight is documented in [[United States patent]] #6729744.


Inside the flashlight, a sliding magnet moves back and forth inside a [[solenoid]], or a spool of copper wire. Current is induced through the loops in the copper wire to create a current per [[Faraday's law of induction]]. This charges a capacitor, which essentially acts as a short-term battery. To produce light, the capacitor powers an array of LEDs.
Inside the flashlight, a sliding magnet moves back and forth inside a solenoid, or a spool of copper wire. Current is induced through the loops in the copper wire to create a current per [[Faraday's law of induction]]. This charges a capacitor, which essentially acts as a short-term battery. To produce light, the capacitor powers an array of LEDs.


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://www.instructables.com/id/E5BLCRZ178ES9J6A88/] A homemade solenoid type dyno torch inside a [[TicTac]] box.
*[http://www.instructables.com/id/E5BLCRZ178ES9J6A88/] A homemade solenoid type dyno torch inside a [[TicTac]] box.
*[http://www.b-kainka.de/bastel48.htm Die Goldcap-Dynamolampe] (in [[German language|German]]) — converting a dyno torch to LED operation with capacitor storage
*[http://www.b-kainka.de/bastel48.htm Die Goldcap-Dynamolampe] (in German) — converting a dyno torch to LED operation with capacitor storage


[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Tools]]
[[da:Evighedslygte]]
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