The Life Saver
Justin Barry
Summary:
The Life Saver was created to allow consumers to charge a USB device anywhere
in the world, using only sunlight or generic AA batteries. Many people don’t have access
to a car charger or wall outlet when traveling or vacationing. This creates a need for an
alternative energy source. Using the Life Saver will give access to high tech devices
without the problem of battery failure.
This device must be able to charge a USB device or keep it running if the internal
battery dies. Other requirements will be: to not break on minor impact, to be easily turned
on or off, and allow for a visual test of functionality.
A few concepts for physical design were considered which included sliding solar
panels and rotating sheets. The sliding concept was more durable but there was an issue
with connecting wires to the circuit board without a loss of connection. Also using a
sliding technique would create a problem with the availability of power. The rotating
sheet design would have excess amounts of power but would not be able to withstand
physical impact.
The final design included two battery packs, one circuit board and two solar
panels. The solar panels were capable of being unfolded using hinges to maximize
surface area when in use. When the panels were not in use they could be mated together
for more portability. This also stopped the problem with loss of connection. The two
battery packs were a rechargeable NiMH battery and a generic AA four battery pack.
This will allow the user to either replace the batteries to recharge the device or use the
solar powered rechargeable battery to recharge the device.
As a result the Life Saver was able to create five volts and 500 mA to power a
USB device. It also has a LED battery tester to tell the user when it is capable of
providing power. The two switches in front allow a user to disable the device test the
device and enable generic power.