Self Containing Electronic Component Lamp

We have always been told that electronic components have to be connected in a circuit path to work. Battery, switch, LED light, they can’t exist alone and work by individual. But I want to push the boundary beyond this notion and make a series of self contain components that do exist alone and work by individual. Obviously it’s not for real, but you get the idea when you see them. Make one to decorate your table for the night if you are a geek!

Step 1: Preparation

Materials are listed below:

[Basic Tools]

Bristol Board x 2

Pencil x 1

Paper Cutter x 1

Ruler x 1

Glue x 1

Scissors x 1

[Advanced Tools and Materials]

Diffused LEDs x 8

3V Coin Battery x 2

Battery holder x 2

Copper Tape x 1

Non-Conductive Tape x 1

Conductive Fabric: a little piece

Alligator Clips x several

Pressure Fabric: a bigger piece than conductive fabric

Plastic Foam: take some from one of those mailing boxes

Soldering Pack (Solder Wire + Solder Gun) x 1

Most of them are available in Adafruit or Sparkfun.

Step 2: Measuring and Folding Paper — All

You can make your own size when measuring paper. I prefer a mini size, which also means it would be very hard to integrate all things inside later.

Battery size: 1.5” x 1.5” x 1”;

Switch size:

Base: 2.5” x 1” x 1”;

Column: 0.5” x 0.5” x 1”;

Pole: 0.5” x 0.75” x 2”

You can make these two components separately, but the folding part is the same.

Step 3: Soldering Battery Holder and LED Lights — Self Contain Battery

Soldering all LED legs onto copper tape to guarantee connection.

Connect negative together and leave positive ends for future.

Notes:

I soldered one resister for each of the LED light to prevent high voltage. But later I found out it's not necessary and the LED lights worked fine. So I didn't add them in the Self Containing Switch which you will see below. For those who want to make these little lamp, you don't need them.

Step 4: Finish Circuit Connection — Self Contain Battery

Add one layer of pressure material on top of coin battery.

Add one layer of conductive material on top of pressure material.

These two steps will turn thin self contain battery into an adjustable light source.

Use copper tape to connect the positive legs and the conductive fabric to finish the circuit.

Don’t forget to add rolled plastic foam at the top to make sure the soft and smooth experience.

Step 5: Glue and Done! — Self Contain Battery

Glue the overlapped part and dah! A mini size self contain battery that can be turned on and off by its own!

Step 6: Soldering Battery Holder and LED Lights — Self Contain Switch

Since six LED lights will be soldered in different parts of this tiny switch, two in the base, one in each of the column, and the rest of two in the pale, we have to do it separately. But the core steps stay the same: solder separately, connect separate parts, and leave one gap for interaction.