Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-01-25 at 20:33:37
Okay, to begin, my project is basically designing something that will solve some problem, or improve upon an existing product. Well, I decided to make a flashlight that serves as a emergency tool in places like a house (in case of a blackout), a car (in case it breaks down in the middle of nowhere), a campsite (if light is needed, or if you get lost), and basically all purpose tool.
So I am designing a flashlight with a few way of generating and storing power, as well as functions like a toolkit and stuff. But, I do need as a requirement to do surveys and things like that to get "customer" feedback, so I have written up a survey for people to fill out.
I am asking for my fellow forumer to fill out the survey attached to this post. Of course, this is a large project that I'm gathering information on, so please don't give false information. Thank you!
So I am designing a flashlight with a few way of generating and storing power, as well as functions like a toolkit and stuff. But, I do need as a requirement to do surveys and things like that to get "customer" feedback, so I have written up a survey for people to fill out.
I am asking for my fellow forumer to fill out the survey attached to this post. Of course, this is a large project that I'm gathering information on, so please don't give false information. Thank you!
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-01-25 at 21:46:18
Do we get the product? Lmao jk 
Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-01-25 at 21:51:11
Get it? No. The final product isn't really manufactured, so it's going to be a tad expensive. Around a $100. Of course, if a company decides to mass produce it, it'll be really cheap, but now, the prototype will be quite expensive.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-01-25 at 22:04:26
Okay. i guess we as ur supporters, will get first the product no? =)
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Yoshi da Sniper on 2004-01-25 at 22:07:28
Heres mine!
Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-01-25 at 22:16:25
Thanks Yoshi! And Shadow and Wintermute! Your input is appreciated. I'll try to have a product that'll be what most of you want, though I can't have a product that everyone would like.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Yoshi da Sniper on 2004-01-25 at 22:35:22
Try not to make what everyone makes, make something unique. It stands out.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Mini Moose 2707 on 2004-01-26 at 19:19:33
Stick Moose Antlers on it. Okay. Maybe not.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by chuiu on 2004-01-26 at 19:41:43
Meh.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-01-29 at 19:27:50
Hmm...some clarifications:
Chemical power adapter is basically two plates that you stick in a solution (a.k.a. salt water) and it will get you power. Not that useful unless you're near water, but hey, an idea nonetheless.
As for a toolkit, it contains things like hex keys, screwdrivers, wrench, hammer, knife, etc. Mainly, anyspace left over that I can cram stuff into.
All those adapters are probably not "built-in", but rather a device that you connect the flashlight to, like a DC adapter, or a car jack. I will, however, probably have some space to store the car jack.
The output adapter is basically a place on the flashlight, in the form of a car jack, where you can plug small devices into it for power, like cellphones.
Some of the ideas I'm getting are very unique. I wouldn't have thought of some of them, like Chu's glow-in-the dark case suggestion. Thanks, guys, so, uh...
*gives everyone 30 minerals each*
POST 2:
Okay, I need some more information. I have two "main" designs right now. The first one is a flashlight that has everything on it. So it's basically something that's very big with the size at roughly about 2' by 3/4' by 3/4'.
Problem with that design is that it's huge. A bit too big if you as me, so here's an alternative solution. In this design, we have 4 "slots". Basically, each feature will be a self contained box that you fit into the slots. 2 slots will be powered, for things like a radio, the hand crank, the fire starter, etc. The other 2 slots will contain non-powered items, like first aid kit, toolbox, etc.
In addition, the built-in features are the rechargable battery cell, a solar cell, and the flashlight/lantern. Though the problem is that waterproofing would be a bit tough, since there are cracks between the box and the slot, but it is possible.
This design would be smaller and lighter, and you can customize it to your own likings, but the only problem with this is that you can't have all features in the flashlight at once.
My question to you is that which design would you prefer, and why.
Chemical power adapter is basically two plates that you stick in a solution (a.k.a. salt water) and it will get you power. Not that useful unless you're near water, but hey, an idea nonetheless.
As for a toolkit, it contains things like hex keys, screwdrivers, wrench, hammer, knife, etc. Mainly, anyspace left over that I can cram stuff into.
All those adapters are probably not "built-in", but rather a device that you connect the flashlight to, like a DC adapter, or a car jack. I will, however, probably have some space to store the car jack.
The output adapter is basically a place on the flashlight, in the form of a car jack, where you can plug small devices into it for power, like cellphones.
Some of the ideas I'm getting are very unique. I wouldn't have thought of some of them, like Chu's glow-in-the dark case suggestion. Thanks, guys, so, uh...
*gives everyone 30 minerals each*
POST 2:
Okay, I need some more information. I have two "main" designs right now. The first one is a flashlight that has everything on it. So it's basically something that's very big with the size at roughly about 2' by 3/4' by 3/4'.
Problem with that design is that it's huge. A bit too big if you as me, so here's an alternative solution. In this design, we have 4 "slots". Basically, each feature will be a self contained box that you fit into the slots. 2 slots will be powered, for things like a radio, the hand crank, the fire starter, etc. The other 2 slots will contain non-powered items, like first aid kit, toolbox, etc.
In addition, the built-in features are the rechargable battery cell, a solar cell, and the flashlight/lantern. Though the problem is that waterproofing would be a bit tough, since there are cracks between the box and the slot, but it is possible.
This design would be smaller and lighter, and you can customize it to your own likings, but the only problem with this is that you can't have all features in the flashlight at once.
My question to you is that which design would you prefer, and why.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-01-29 at 21:37:25
As long as it's convienent (eep??), it's ok. A flashlight CAN'T have everything anyway.
#2 for me
#2 for me
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-01-29 at 23:12:29
Remose useless things Oo, you have to leave a risk of something always...
if you wanna be safe, stay in ur house
if you wanna be safe, stay in ur house
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-02-27 at 00:26:16
Is it shiny??? lol jking 
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Staredit.Net Essence on 2004-02-27 at 16:29:08
I know im not mod... but i have SPAMMERS
LOOK AT LAST POST DAY BEFORE REVIVING OLD TOPICS!!!!!!!
(More than 1 week shouldnt be revived...)
LOOK AT LAST POST DAY BEFORE REVIVING OLD TOPICS!!!!!!!
(More than 1 week shouldnt be revived...)
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Yoshi da Sniper on 2004-02-27 at 20:13:33
Reviving old topics is not a bad thing. Posting spam is. Warn level up.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-02-27 at 23:09:03
Okay, the topic is revived anyways, so I'm going to ask another question. The case can be made of two materials that I can get: carbon fiber plating and Lexan (polycarbonate). Lexan, is quite strong (tried hammering it to pieces on our FIRST robot, not even a dent), and is cheap. It has a good weight to strength ratio, and is used to make bulletproof glass (don't expect the flashlight to stop a bullet, it needs testing first...). But, carbon fiber is stronger, lighter, than Lexan (which can be quite heavy if I use a lot), and is extremely expensive. Both are materials that I am really tempted to use, especially the carbon fiber plating, but here's an idea of the cost:
Carbon fiber: 0.125” thick, 11” x 8” plate, 9.63 oz in weight, $69.95. $0.85 per inch for custom cuts.
Lexan: 1/4" thick, 24" x 24" plate, 6.25 lb in weight, $29.40. (Note: I can get some for free, but I need to factor cost for project purposes)
Also, from suggestions before, I can also get Teflon, which is also really tough, and a tad cheaped than carbon fiber:
Teflon: 1/4" thick, 12"×12" plate, 3 lb in weight, $76.82. $0.72 per inch for custom cuts.
I can also get a Carbon Fiber/Kelvar hybrid to use as plating, which is tougher than normal Kelvar, but it's more expensive.
Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Hybrid: 0.125” thick, 11” x 8” plate, 9.63 oz in weight, $74.95. $0.87 per inch for custom cuts.
Plus, there are also other weird stuff like carbon fiber sheets covered with aluminum to make it shiny. It's is basically that same as normal carbonfiber sheets, but shiny.
Other materials that I can get include titanium, aluminum, and steel, thoguh they are not as good as the other materials that's up there, since titanium is expensive and heavy, Aluminum is too soft, and steel is expensive. Plus, these metals can be easily dented, so it's not that great of a material.
Any other suggestion? I want to know what materials you guys would like in terms of cost and strength.
Carbon fiber: 0.125” thick, 11” x 8” plate, 9.63 oz in weight, $69.95. $0.85 per inch for custom cuts.
Lexan: 1/4" thick, 24" x 24" plate, 6.25 lb in weight, $29.40. (Note: I can get some for free, but I need to factor cost for project purposes)
Also, from suggestions before, I can also get Teflon, which is also really tough, and a tad cheaped than carbon fiber:
Teflon: 1/4" thick, 12"×12" plate, 3 lb in weight, $76.82. $0.72 per inch for custom cuts.
I can also get a Carbon Fiber/Kelvar hybrid to use as plating, which is tougher than normal Kelvar, but it's more expensive.
Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Hybrid: 0.125” thick, 11” x 8” plate, 9.63 oz in weight, $74.95. $0.87 per inch for custom cuts.
Plus, there are also other weird stuff like carbon fiber sheets covered with aluminum to make it shiny. It's is basically that same as normal carbonfiber sheets, but shiny.
Other materials that I can get include titanium, aluminum, and steel, thoguh they are not as good as the other materials that's up there, since titanium is expensive and heavy, Aluminum is too soft, and steel is expensive. Plus, these metals can be easily dented, so it's not that great of a material.
Any other suggestion? I want to know what materials you guys would like in terms of cost and strength.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by Mini Moose 2707 on 2004-02-27 at 23:47:28
I'd go with the Carbon Fiber or Carbon Fiber / Kevlar Hybrid, depending on which is tougher. Teflon seems kind of heavy, while the Lexan as you said may not be cost-effective.
Report, edit, etc...Posted by SpaceBoy2000 on 2004-02-28 at 21:36:25
Uh...do note that the size of each board is different. Lexan is the most effective since it is the cheapest and easiest to use, but I am not sure how long it will help the product last. The carbon fiber/kelvar hybrid however will probably last for many time more than the Lexan, though it would be many times more expensive. I also just realized one thing: Lexan can be machined easily, but I'm not even sure I can use carbon fiber very well. Also, does anybody know if carbon fiber is water proof, since it is a weave, not a solid plate.