A Lighter Case Against the Elements (Of Darkness & Wind)

Our Idea:

Batu and I decided to make a lighter case that would stand the test of a windy night on a beach in California. The struggle to keep the flame alive in the face of wind and low visibility after sunset, is one we know all too well. We came up with a design for a lighter case that holds classic electric pocket lighters. It is ergonomic and intuitive in its design- thanks to Batu's visionary 3D modeling and our many print tests. It also lights up and follows a twinkly, hypnotic sequence perfect for a stoner's entertainment and for illumination. This sequence is due to Anusha's tinkercad experimentation and the soldering of 4 neopixels to a gemma and micolipo battery. Now you can use your lighter without also pulling out your phone's flashlight. The lights come through holes in the case, and are covered with glass cabachons, for a finished and futuristic look. The case also has a shield that you can slide upwards, that follows the curve of the overall case shape, therefore perfectly useful against gusts of wind. This feature makes your lighter foolproof at what it does best. Enjoy our design & we hope you spark up!

Inspiration:

Edie Parker's Gemstoned Lighter Case in Multi-stone

Duration of DIY:

Approx 2 days (time to edit/customize the model, ~8 hours to print, 2 hours for soldering, time for troubleshooting, 1-2 hours to put the product together)

Supplies

3D Printer

4+ NeoPixel rgbw mini button pcb on Adafruit

Micro lipo charger on Adafruit

Lipoly battery on Adafruit

Solder Materials

Wire cutters and Wire strippers

stranded silicone coated wire

glass cabachons: link to purchase

Step 1: Modeling the Case Based on the Classic Lighter Measurment (on Blender)

It took 4 iterations and print tests to get to this final design. Feel free to use it as is, or open it in blender to make it your own.

Step 2: Tinkercad

I used Tinkercad to try out different animations for our 4 Neopixels. The exact tech that we used were not provided on Tinkercad, but I used the Arduino Uno + Neopixels and it translated well. To get changing (in color & brightness) in a randomized sequence, here is the code I used:

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define PIN 2

#define NUMPIXELS 4

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUMPIXELS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

int delayval = 0;

// array to hold randomized pixel order

int pixelOrder[NUMPIXELS];

void setup() {

pixels.begin();

// fill pattern array: 0,1,2,3,...11

for (int i = 0; i < NUMPIXELS; i++) {

pixelOrder[i] = i;

}

}

void loop() {

// --- RANDOMIZE LED ORDER ---

for (int i = NUMPIXELS - 3; i > 0; i--) {

int j = random(0, i + 3);

int temp = pixelOrder[i];

pixelOrder[i] = pixelOrder[j];

pixelOrder[j] = temp;

}

// --- FULLY RANDOM COLORS + BRIGHTNESS ---

for (int n = 0; n < NUMPIXELS; n++) {

int i = pixelOrder[n]; // randomized LED index

int delayval = 900; // slower

// random full RGB color for this LED

int r = random(0, 255);

int g = random(0, 255);

int b = random(0, 255);

// random brightness (0–255)

int brightness = random(50, 256); // avoid too-dim values

pixels.setBrightness(brightness);

pixels.setPixelColor(i, pixels.Color(r, g, b));

pixels.show();

delay(delayval);

}

}

Step 3: Soldering

Step 4: Loading the Code on the Gemma

Next, you plug Gemma into your laptop and load the code onto Arduino. This will let you know if you soldered correctly. Good luck!

Step 5: Testing the Fit in the 3D Model

Now, make sure your connected lights, battery, and charger all fit in your case! If not, you may need to cut your wires down, or enlarge your model and reprint!

Step 6: Sanding the Final Print

Our final model had a bit of excess material that we needed to sand off with 80 grit sandpaper. This could also be a moment where you paint, or draw on yours!

Step 7: Hot-Glueing the NeoPixels, Gemma, Battery & Charger in Place

We used tweezers and tape to position all the lights into the holes, and the rest against the walls of the case. Then we went over the tape with hot glue!

Step 8: Adding Finishing Touches (Cabachons or Any Personalization!)

Lastly, There is a small section of the model surrounding the holes, that you can use to glue the cabachons in place! You can opt out of hot glue and use super glue instead, if you'd like.

Step 9: Make a Good Meal & Enjoy the Lighter ;)

We recommend truffle mac & cheese!