PowerPuck Hand-Cranked USB Charging Enclosure (IKEA flashlight hack)

thingiverse

Repurposing IKEA's Affordable LJUSA LED Flashlight as a Mobile Charger. This clever hack involves converting the LED flashlight into a mobile charger that can power USB devices and smartphones while on the move. The flashlights are built with supercapacitor design, resulting in a compact yet light product, but it means charging takes place in real-time rather than storing energy in an intermediate battery. Please note that this has been some time since I made this conversion and there could be clearance issues or improvised steps involved, so use at your own discretion. Instructions: First, buy the LJUSA Flashlight from IKEA, you may need two for added fun around the house) along with a suitable USB port (like those found on a computer motherboard). Step 2: Print the chassis bottom and top parts, no supports are needed. Next, disassemble the flashlight, locate the wires connected to the circular LED board, then cut them. Proceed by soldering the cut ends of these wires directly onto Vcc and GND on your USB port, alternatively, you could simply attach them straight to a USB cable if simplicity is preferred. Mounting the printed boards requires screws provided with the flashlight. You need to fasten each of the bottom enclosure components in their corresponding housing within the bottom print. Be mindful that when attaching the supercapacitor board be sure it mounts upside down, and remember to orient the generator board so its gears face upwards. Finally, connect your USB device or phone and turn it on – it should now start charging. Keep in mind: If this hack doesn't seem to work as planned you are advised to validate if your mobile will be affected before use.