MOOnlight
MOOnlight is the cow-shaped night light that runs on a timer that is set and started using its adorable ears. You won’t have to worry about turning him off, because as the timer runs out, his horn lights gently dim until they’re completely dark. You won’t need to be weary of the dark any longer because of MOOnlight!
He’ll protect you!
Constraints
Timeline: 4 weeks
Type: Individual project
Project Description: Design and fabricate a timer for a specific purpose.
Why a nightlight?
When I was a kid, I couldn't sleep without my nightlight. It was nightlight or nothing. But it was one that turned on and off with a switch, which meant that my parents would eventually have to come in and turn it off. As I was thinking over concepts, I settled on one that reminded me of this memory.
Week 1: Initial Concepts
Week 2: Concept Selection + Parts
I wanted a fun, touch sensitive experience that would be easy for anyone to use; especially children who use nightlights a lot.
I ended up using a capacitive sensor rather than an FSR sensor because I didn't need to register pressure, just touch.
Week 3: Breadboard Model
I wanted one ear to set the timer and the other to start/stop it, so I wired two handmade capacitive sensors to two RGBW LEDs.
The timer would cause the nightlight to gradually dim, allowing a gentle drift to sleep.
What worked:
•The timer itself: setting the time, starting the timer, stopping/resetting the timer
•The LED lights worked according to the timer
What didn't:
•Some kind of indicator that lets the user know that time has been added
Week 4: Integrated Model
After a disastrous attempt of using fabric over a glass dome (which was a nice idea, but I wouldn't have been able to run wires under it), I used a half dome template to make a general rounded shape that desired for the head and a cyclinder of paper so I could store the electronics the body.
I tested using chipboard since I wanted a material with more durability, but forgot to scale my file properly :( But I now knew the template was perfect even at larger scales.
For the actual final model, I laser cut cardstock before scoring and folding it. I then glued it together so the outside would look clean.
I wanted the electronics to be stored neatly inside instead of just stuffed in there so I made a housing unit that would slide in and twist to lock in place.
I measured all the pieces that would go inside and maximized the storage as much as I could.
For the final integrated model, I laser cut and scored a new model, this time paying careful attention to the neatness and details. I laser cut the housing unit based off the test models I made and fitted them inside the body of MOOnlight.
Not seen in the right picture are the mylar horn covers I cut to cover the RGBW LEDs.
I painted the cow print and details using Posca paint markers. Combined with the style of laser cut cardstock, it achieved a look reminiscent of a cow themed silo; I loved it.
MOOnlight
in the home
To use:
1. Set timer using left ear; every touch is one minute added.
2. Start timer using right ear.
3. To reset or stop timer, squeeze right ear again.
