Updates on the Crystal Lamp

My project is to make a portable bedside nightlight that looks like a crystal and behaves “magically”.

The goal is to have a self contained crystal that can illuminate itself from within, allowing it to be carried around at night as a flashlight. Waving your hand over it while its docked will turn it on/adjust the brightness. Shaking it while its out of the base-station will increase its brightness.

As of today:

• I have finished preliminary designs in solidworks.
• I have completed the hand waving electronics / programming logic.
• I have completed the “shake to make brighter” electronics / programming logic.
• I have 3D printed multiple crystal shells to experiment with various wall thicknesses and materials.

Things that still need to be done:

• Purchase and program / wire wireless charging system and battery.
• Experiment with resin as the material.

I had a conversation about using resin instead of 3D printed plastic for the crystal and I think that was a really good idea. I have never tried using resin before but I have a friend who make resin crystal jewelry, and they agreed to help me learn how to use it. I think it will be really good because it will have a crystal/glass like finish. I can adjust the color and transparency using the right dye recipe. And I can 3D print custom molds that would allow me to make this at home without a huge financial investment.

Sorry I couldn’t upload any more images than this one. It just kept erroring out.

I do have this video demoing the electronics though:

Electronics Demo and Functionality Video