Mini

A simple and Handy Flashlight

Fall 2022

Course: Fabrication

Instructor: Ben Light

Introduction

Portable, simple, small, light, easy to carry, and functional — these are the goals for the flashlight project.

All the absolutely necessary items are listed: a battery, a resistor, an LED, and some wires. A switch is nice to have but not 100% necessary. Figure 1 shows all the parts that the project needs, all of which are taken from the shop besides the battery. The shape of the 9V battery is unique and stable, making it perfect to be the stand of the flashlight while providing long-lasting power for the LED.

figure 1 - parts

figure 2 - poke LED through the 9V connector

figure 3 - front view

figure 4 - using the gap between the connectors

figure 5 - a 220-ohm resistor is added

figure 6 - make it tidy

figure 7 - it works

figure 8 - detail

figure 9 - version II: a switch is added

figure 10 - detail

This is a fun exercise, especially for those who have never had any electrical experience. As stated, the goal is to make the flashlight as simple as possible, so I personally prefer the one without the switch, providing the “plug and go” capability.