Soleil Sun Alarm |
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The Sun Alarm gradually increases the intensity of its built-in lamp, which simulates a natural sunrise. Over the 30-minute timespan it takes for the light to gradually increase in intensity, the body wakes instinctively, as if waking with the light of the sun. A softer, less jarring tone is all that is (occasionally) needed to fully waken. The Sun Alarm also has manual controls for use as a conventional bedside lamp. |
Our directives were to design and develop all components of this product, from the electronics through appearance design and complete part documentation. There were some unique challenges, such as integrating a high-intensity lamp with an analog clock and digital controlling circuitry. The lamp element generates a lot of heat, so heat management was identified early on as a critical area of attention. Finally, it needed to have an appearance that conveys its overall innovative nature, quality, and value. |
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Careful sourcing and creative circuit design were required to achieve a working breadboard prototype. A "chimney flue" strategy for heat dissipation was identified and tested, where air circulates from underneath and vents through overhead slats molded into the housing. Rays of light also project from these slats and have become a trademark feature of the Sun Alarm. |
To create a look all its own and differentiate it from conventional desklamps or alarm clocks we began by creating concept sketches (as shown in the background). Next, computer renderings and hand-built concept models were created to evaluate various aesthetic directions and details. Our engineering team ultimately documented the final selection in Pro/ENGINEER to optimize shape, material usage and overall cost, performance and assembly criteria. |
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The final version was safety tested and certified by Underwriter's Laboratories prior to its full market introduction. |
