3D

Lighting is typically a utilitarian affair, used to illuminate what we can’t see in the dark, without much thought given to the lighting fixture itself. This flower-shaped lamp, however, has all kinds of personality whether on or off. It features a clever ball joint adjustment mechanism, as well as a single rotary input to control light color and intensity.

Electronics-wise, the device is powered by a Plasma 2040 by Pimoroni. This RP2040 board controls each of the flower's SK612 LEDs, and reads user input via a push button-enabled rotary encoder. Positive voltage and ground to each LED are supplied in parallel via a pair of enameled copper wire rings, avoiding the potential voltage sag of typical one-way connections. Smaller enameled copper wires connect the DI and DO pins for control.

Position adjustment for the light is accomplished through a clever ball-and-socket joint at the base, with a steel tube used as the flower-light’s stalk. The lower hemisphere of the 3D-printed ball is weighted down with cement, and a no-slip surface is used between it and the socket in order to keep things place. Minor angle adjustments can also be made where the flower attaches to the stalk. Finally, the front face of the flower can shift to hide the LEDs, creating a diffuse mood lighting effect.

Further build instructions, including STL files for printing are found here. Perhaps its time you had your own adjustable flower light!