Project Report "Adjustable Study Lamp" (SKEE 1012 - Section 10)

SKEE 1012 – Section 10

(Introduction to Electrical Engineering)

PROJECT REPORT

Project Title: “Adjustable LED Study Lamp”

Lecturer: Dr. Zolkaflee Bin Buntat

Group Members:

1. Muhammad Hafiz Syazani          A18KE0163
2. Muhammad Danial Haziq           A18KE0157
3. Muhammad Haziq                       A18KE0167
4. Muhammad Asraf                        A18KE0152
5. Muhammad Ilham Hussaini       A18KE0172
6. Khairul Syukri                               A18KE0086

1.0     1.1 Acknowledgement

First of all, we would like to thank our lecturer, Dr. Zolkafle Bin Buntat for giving us the opportunity to do this project and guide us throughout the whole process and planning. Because of this we are able to complete this project successfully. Initially, we had no idea what to do for our project but, after consulting our lecturer and asking our friends, we are able to come up on several ideas and able to collectively decide on a proper project. Again, we are extremely thankful to Dr.Zolkafle for the constructive comments and supportive advises for us to efficiently carry out this task. Finally, we would like to thank each and every group member for their hard work and commitment towards the completion of this project. 

         1.2 Abstract

          Usually students often do their tasks either in bright light or in dim rooms. From our research, we noticed that most student would rather strain their eyes than studying in an appropriate environment. Therefore, our project provides an adjustable LED lamp that offers a suitable brightness during late-night studying that may reduce eye strain and even save energy. This device is mainly controlled by the potentiometer or more commonly known as a variable resistor. When current flows through the circuit, the user can adjust the brightness to fit their situation.

Table of Contents

2.0 Introduction

            One of the most important components of any study area is an excellent ‘Tasks Lighting’. What is task lighting? In general, desk lamps, table lamps and floor lamps that focuses on a specific area are ideal sources of lighting. The main purpose of this equipment is to make it easier to complete tasks such as reading, writing or viewing a computer screen. Recent research proves that good tasks lighting reduces eye strain and mental fatigue, additionally it even improves task performance by 16 percent. Also, some helpful placement of desk lamps, is to place it opposite to our dominant hand so the light sweeps across the study area without creating shadows.

            Furthermore, general lighting also known as ambient lighting, provides smooth and radiant illumination to any workspace. The effects of ambient lighting can greatly enhance your sense of well-being, which in turn increases our productivity and reduce our stress levels as it can help us estimate the shape, proximity and depth of spaces and objects. Some of the ways to stay focus is to give extra attention on its Wattage. For example, a 40 to 60-watt light bulb for tasks such as reading and writing, 60-watt light bulb for tasks such as using a computer and a 60 to 80-watt light bulb for detail-oriented tasks. On the other hand, try to avoid cool fluorescent lights as it emits harsh lighting and strain our eyes.

            To relate with our project, we are using an LED light and a bendable joint which can be adjusted to appropriately. The LED lights used are very beneficial because they have a rather long lifetime around 50,000 hours and extremely energy efficient. As for the bendable joint, the user can position the lamp to focus on the intended workspace or object.

3.0 Problem Statement

          For our project, we questioned some students from our section and around our hostel whether they use the study lamps installed in each room or using the ceiling lights. Most students we questioned uses the study lamps, however, the lamps use fluorescent lights which are very bright, fixed and in some cases, can be very hot when using for long periods. We offered a solution by designing a device that can help them concentrate on their work.

4.0 Objective

          The aim of this device is to help students improve their focus in dim rooms or late-night studying and prevents eye strains due to intense brightness. Moreover, our device can be recharged and portable for easy access.

5.0 Methods

          5.1 Tools and Components

          5.2 Process and Planning

1. There were 2 PCB boards, the ‘LED Board’ and ‘Control Board’
2. Firstly we setup the easier portion of the circuit which is the LED Board. We connected the 21 LED’s in parallel to each other and form a 7x3 LED Circuit. After that, we separate the earth and source voltage to connect it to the Control Board.

                      (LED Board Front View)                                (LED Board Rear View)

3.Next, we design a schematic diagram for the Control Board. Then we connect the circuits according to the diagram precisely.

                         (Control Board)

4.Finally, we connect the LED Board to the Control Board. Before that, we attached the 2 3.7V Battery in their sockets and connect it to the Control Board.

6.0 Results & Analysis

• Project Costs

The total cost for this project including the tools needed to solder and trim the jumper wires are RM 100. If we exclude the tools and only consider the main components of the circuit it cost around RM 52. The pricing per unit is as stated below.

          6.2 Minute Meetings

                    Throughout this project, we held 3 Minute Meetings which were on,

1. Tuesday, 30/10/2018 (Divide Tasks, Project Title, Project Cost)
2. Sunday, 11/11/2018 (Project Design, Schematic Diagram, Prototype)
3. Saturday, 24/112018 (Minor Circuit Adjustment, Prepare Presentation)

7.0 Discussion & Conclusion (Overall summary of the project)

          Our ‘Adjustable Study Lamp’ was tested several times to ensure that there were no issues and the result was a success. However, during the testing some LED were faulty and some were burnt due to high current for the battery and improper arrangement of resistors. In the end, we managed to resolve the problem accordingly. Also, we hope that this project could be used in the future and provide benefits to the community.

8.0 Bibliography/References (Websites, Circuit Laws, Component Description)

1. Mara Bermundez, Task Lighting 101. Retrieved from,https://www.delmarfans.com/educate/study-lighting-tips/
2. Mike Myers, Advantage and Disadvantage of LED Lights (2016, November 16). Retrieved from, https://www.berkeys.com/2016/11/16/advantage-disadvantage-led-lights/
3. DIY Desktop Lamp (2015, September 12). Retrieved from, https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Own-Desktop-LED-Lamp/
4. 555 Timer Tutorial. Retrieved from, https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/waveforms/555_timer.html