DIYson Express: 2024
The DIYson Express, a replica of Dyson's Solarcycle Desk Light, has captivated my attention since its release in 2022 with its elegant functionality. While the original's £450 price tag and my industrial designer's salary rendered it an unjustifiable expense, despite its advanced cooling system and intuitive counterweighted design, the inspiring YouTube series by Steven Bennett, a multidisciplinary mechanical design engineer from Minnesota, detailing his process of designing, refining, and constructing his DIYson replica, compelled me to build my own.
Constructed from readily available components, primarily from Open Builds, an Amazon desk clamp, and a range of 3D-printed parts, the lamp's assembly process was a delightful experience akin to an adult Lego project. The vertical carriage, guided by linear rails, employs six runners, two of which are mounted on eccentric spacers, allowing the maker to adjust the tightness of both the vertical and lateral DOFs. The counterweight, containing steel ball bearings, can be adjusted to accommodate different LEDs, ensuring optimal balance and functionality.
The DIYson, elegantly crafted in an all-black aesthetic, comes at a cost of around £90, contingent upon the LED selection, and required merely a few dedicated days for design, printing, and assembly. Sourcing the linear rails from Ooznest, a UK supplier of Open Builds hardware, rendered this version slightly more economical. The sole drawback lies in the necessity to charge the LED periodically. Concurrently, Steven is developing an advanced iteration, THE DIYson, which ingeniously incorporates heat pipes, mirroring the cooling technology employed by the original Dyson Solarcycle. I shall remain interested in his progress!
