3D model of 3dcentralva
The models were repaired and checked for printability.
This is the fully functional solder-free version of the snap-together mini lamp.
...Plus Besides a 3D printer, all you need is some LEDs and some conductive thread
It's a work in progress because there are still some kinks to work out, and I'm not sure what LEDs I want to use yet.
I used v0.2 of the 3D-PCB library, which has tolerances calibrated for the Makerbot Replicator.
The "bulb" of this lamp is an array that can hold 6 LEDs, and it snaps into the peg that holds the lamp shade on.
Some of the arm pieces have an added peg so that the conductive thread can run down the arm to the base (on each side) without overlapping.
The base has been adapted to accommodate 2xAAA batteries and a toggle switch.
This model was made in blender, using the 3D-PCB openscad exports.
Instructions
Print one of each file, with the exception of the 'peg caps' (print lots of these).
The lamp is assembled much like the snap-together version -- assemble the arm in the same way. Once the arm is together, insert the LEDs into the bulb. It is a 2x3 array, with pairs of holes. When inserting an LED, make sure you insert the positive lead (the longer one) into the hole on the inside. This way, all the positive leads will emerge together in the center, and the negative leads will emerge together on the sides.
Once you've inserted the LEDs you want, bend the excess into the peg slots nearby. tweezers are helpful to get a good bend. Next, cut two long lengths of conductive thread -- a few feet should give you plenty of leeway for wrapping.
Positive first: wrap up the positive peg on the top of the bulb, and insert a cap. Then wrap the negative pegs together to the remaining peg -- insert the peg caps to ensure a good hold. Thread the two threads out of the bulb towards the arm. In my prototype, I ran the positive out through the hole that snaps the arm to the shade, and the negative out the hole at the top of the shade -- but it doesn't really matter as long as it's not the same hole.. Do this while you insert the lamp shade and then snap the bulb into place.
There are then three sets of pegs down the arm structure. When you wrap your way down, make sure to flex the arm structure in many directions to make sure you leave enough slack to allow for a wide range of motion. When you reach the bottom of the arm, attach it to the base. Wrap the excess threads to their respective battery terminals, again leaving enough slack for the range of motion you want.
Cut two more lengths of thread, about 12 inches should be sufficient. Run one from one battery terminal across the switch. Tie a knot in the toggle, and run it to the other battery terminal. Again, for detailed instructions, see the instructables.
And you're done!
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