Gravity Light

This LED floor lamp invented by a graduate of Virginia tech recently won 2nd place at the Greener Gadgets Conference (sponsored by inhabitat). The light is four feet tall, made of acrylic, and is powered by weights placed at the top of the unit which turn a rotor as they descend. No cords, no batteries, no electric input required.

The light uses 10 LEDs which give a bluish hue. But as the unit ages, it is believed that the acrylic casing will yellow and that in about 10 or 15 years the lamp will provide a more natural interior light. Output is equivalent to a 40-Watt bulb and runs for 4 hours before the weights need to be reset. The designer, Clay Moulton, says the light could run for 200 years in continual operation, and the impression given is that the LEDs would give out before the drive mechanism.

The implications of this type of design resonate widely. How can products be made to last longer, require less energy input and be powered in ways that utilize subtle forms of energy readily available? Beyond that, how can new designs be attractive and also involve the user in a way that reinforces the elegance of this type of design? Look for more of this type of work as the conditions continue to ripen.