3.

0 DESIGN EVALUATION

3.1 Prototype Development

Figure 3.1.1: Initial Prototype Idea Design

This is our initial prototype design. The LED strip is attached to the cover and the arm of the
lamp is attached on the base. Both switches for LED and motor fan are are in the same row with the
potentiometer. After some discussion, we decided to do some changes and improvements to make our
final prototype design.

Figure 3.1.2: Study Lamp Prototype

 We decided to use ice cream sticks to make the stand of the lamp so that the height can be
adjustable by lifting or folding the ice cream sticks. The LED strip is attached inside the black cover
which is filled with aluminum foil to optimize the brightness of LED. The cover can be rotated
approximately 270 angle.

We placed the switch on the surface of the cover of the prototype base to ease users as they can
push the button easily whenever they want. For potentiometer, it is located at the left side of the switch
and it can be turned to adjust the brightness according to the needs of users. All switches are labelled.

For motor part, we made a cubic base with ice cream sticks to locate the motor on it so that it is
stronger and harder to sustain the weight of motor. We also added some sticky notes on the surface of
the base of prototype so that users can make good use of them by writing down notes while studying.

In conclusion, we have done a lot of changes and improvements so to meet the requirements and
standard of the study lamp for a better usage.

3.2 Feature Evaluation and Discussion

3.2.1 Power Supply

Output voltage at various part of power supply circuit Voltage, V (V)

The AC RMS voltage output by transformer 13.40

The DC RMS voltage output by rectifier 12.01

The DC RMS voltage output by filter 16.70

The regulated DC voltage by LM7812 11.81

Table 3.2.1: The results of the output voltage at various part of power supply system
Figure 3.2.1.1: Output voltage waveform after stepping-down by transformer

The theoretical at the output of transformer should be 12V but the experimental result
shows 13.40V. This condition may be caused by the error in number of coil either in primary or
secondary coil or both in the transformer used.

From full wave rectifier circuit, the diodes are used to allow the current only flows in one
direction. Hence, only positive peak will be obtained for the rectified circuit. The output voltage of
rectifier circuit (12.01V) is lower compared to input voltage (13.40V). This may be due to the potential
barrier of diodes used.

Figure 3.2.1.2: The output voltage waveform after full wave rectifying
Figure 3.2.1.3: The smoothened voltage waveform by rectifier filter circuit

The rectified voltage waveform will be further smoothening to produce a DC steady current by
connecting a smoothing capacitor parallel to the output load. When a capacitor is connected parallel to
the output of rectifier, the voltage across it is larger than that of without capacitor because the source had
been stabilize by the filter.

Figure 3.2.1.4: The output voltage of LM7812 voltage regulator

The theoretical output voltage after the LM7812 voltage regulator should be 12V. However, the
experimental results showed that the output voltage is11.81V. This is due to the internal resistance
inside the voltage regulator. A heat sink is screwed with the voltage regulator to distribute the heat
transferred at the voltage regulator to prevent it from overheating.
3.2.2 Motor Testing

DC power supply(V) Current (A) Voltage(V) Power(W)

12 1.086 12.01 13.04

6 0.536 5.98 3.21

Table 3.2.3: Current, Voltage and Power across motor

When DC voltage of 6V is supplied, the power across the motor is small where there is not enough
torque to drive the mechanism and make the motor rotate. When the voltage across the motor is around
12.01V, the current flowing through the motor is about 1.086A. From the datasheet, the maximum rated
current of a loaded motor is 1.2A. This shows that the experimental current is suitable as it does not
exceed the maximum rated current. In short, 12V power supply to the motor is suitable to rotate the
motor as a fan produce soothing wind.

3.2.3 Brightness of study lamp

Resistance in series with LED strip Intensity of light 30cm away from luminance meter
() (Lux)

0 222

50 158

100 115

220 79
Table 3.2.4: Resistance, and Luminance of the light
 When there is no resistance in series with LED strip, it is the brightest condition and the intensity of
the light is 222 lux. When the resistance in series with the LED strip is 300, the intensity of the light is
only 79 lux and the light is dimmer. The higher the resistance, the lower the intensity of the light. Thus,
for comfortable light source, 222 lux is the most suitable to be used for study lamp.

3.3 Prototype Testing

Prototype Testing Procedure Result

Light intensity test 1. The surrounding light source is The light intensity is bright
switched off and left only the LED enough for study. The light beam
light of study lamp prototype. is focused and does not spread
2. The brightness of the LED light is widely.
Motor fan test 1. The surrounding fan is turned off and The wind produced by the fan can
observed.
left only the motor fan of the study be sensed but the strength is a bit
lamp prototype. low.
2. The strength of the wind produced by
Brightness controlled test
1. The LED is turned on and the knob of The brightness of the LED can be
the fan is sensed.
the potentiometer is turned. varied between a large range.
2. The change in brightness is observed.

Adjustability test 1. The stand supporting the LED cover is The stand is stable at every height
adjusted by folding and lifting. and is easily adjustable.
2. The stability of each height is
observed.

3.4 Discussion

The prototype works greatly as expected and it is proven in the prototype testing. The maximum
intensity of light 30cm away from luminance meter is 222 lux and is within the range of illumination for
study lamp. Hence, the prototype is suitable for the students to use as eyes fatigue and irritation will not
happen.
The NE555 timer functions in astable mode with typically gives out around 50% duty cycle at the
output pin. We add a two diode after the discharge pin (pin 7) with a potentiometer in between. This
causes the duty cycle ranges approximately 90%. This affect the range of intensity of LED light to be
larger and provide users a better choice of brightness according to their needs.
This product has one weakness which is the motor fan. The wind produced is not satisfying. This
might due to the blades which are not nicely designed or the motor used has a low revolution per
minute. This problem can be solved by improving the blades and motor type. Overall, the fan is still
considered as a success as it can rotate and function well.

3.5 Final Conclusion

The prototype fulfills all the requirement of the users. Our study lamp has extra functions despite the
normal on and off study lamp. We provide an adjustable light so that users can change the brightness
due to their needs at different hours. The stand of the lamp is adjustable and users can change the height
of the lamp as they want. Besides, we have a motor fan which can produce wind to give a better
surrounding for study. However, improvements need to be made so to increase the quality of the
prototype especially the motor fan. Overall, this project is considered as a successful near consumer
product which is adjustable and durable.