Make It Better: Design Sketches and Function

   Before beginning the process of making a prototype of our redesigned object, we needed to create sketches of the new designs. The image to the left contains drawings of both a preliminary design and the final design as well. One of the first designs that I had come up with utilized the technology behind a crank powered flashlight. In this design, a fixed position (charging unit) was set over the axis with cranks attached to the spokes. As the wheel spins, the cranks would begin to generate a charge and power the light.
    The image on the bottom is of the design which our group settled upon. This design takes advantage of the crank powered light as well, but in a slightly different way. Instead of having a fixed position and spoke attachments, a rod is placed through the axis of the wheel and connected to a belt. The other end of the belt is attached to a separate rod which is set into a rotating wheel. This secondary rod (and wheel) lay within the bike light and are a function of the power source. The secondary rod is also attached to another rod and wheel via another belt. A small brush touches the belt, collecting the static electricity, powering the light.
    So, as the wheel spins, the rod in the axis rotates, causing the belt and secondary rod to rotate as well. Once the secondary rod begins to rotate, the belt within the bike light begins to, as well. As this belt spins, the small brush absorbs the electricity and powers the light.