8/13/2019 Team Slow Loris Poster

1/1

Accordioa solar powered radio

for the developing world

IAT 336 Materials in Design

Accordio is a solar poweredFM radio designed for the developing world. Its

form is inspired by the accordion, and it can be easily closed or opened to ac-

commodate storage or charging. It is built using affordable, honest materials

(like cardboard and coated card stock) and features very simple interaction

techniques. Our intent is to create a device that low-incomeindividuals in de-

veloping regions can easily acquire and operate on an ongoing basis.

Our product is intended for use by individuals or families is in

developing nations. It should withstand the normal wear and

tear associated with use, storage and transportation. Accordio

requires outdoor charging and is not waterproof, so it would be

best used in areas with a dry climate (African countries like Sierra

Leone). During the day, listeners would open the radio and place

it in direct sunlight to trickle charge the battery. They might

listen to it at while charging, or bring it inside and listen to their

program of choice after dark. PHOTOS BY MATT HANDY & ODI TOUS

context

At the onset of the of our project we decided to create an audio

device for the developing world. Our ideation resulted in a wide

array of forms and power sources. We considered a table

mounted crank radio, an outboard water-powered radio, and a

detachable solar powered radio among others.

We chose to go with the accordion concept because it offers

built into protection for the solar panels, and shrinks to a fourth

of its open size for more economical shipping and storage. Solar

power seemed natural given that we wanted to produce a prod-

uct that to use in remote areas likely to be off the grid.

To turn on the device the listener will rotate the volume dial

slightly clockwise, and continue moving the dial clockwise until

it reaches their desired volume. To select a station they need

only move the frequency slider until they hear the correct sta-

tion. Because the radio body is made of cardboard, listeners can

easily add pencil markings around the frequency slider to mark

their favourite stations. Charging Accordio is also easy. The lis-

tener will detach the clasps holding it closed, open it up and lay

the whole device in direct sunlight (solar cells facing up). It will

charge its batteries throughout the day. For storage or transpor-

tation they can close it back up to significantly reduce its size.

End pieces: the endcap structure at either end of Accordio is

made of 3/4th mm cardboard. This material is readily available,

easy to work with and extremely affordable. It is light brown in

colour and has a slightly rough texture that enhances grip. The

pieces are adhered using a glue gun.

Accordion body: made of a thick coated white cardstock. Sec-

tions are attached to each other with a quick drying g lue, and

the hinges are formed using a flexible tape that sits between the

card layers.

Internal gears, frequency slider and tracks: are 3D printed. The

resulting material is an ABS thermoplastic that is eggshell white

in colour, and has a slightly rough texture.

Conductive material: copper tape connects the solar cells to

the electronics in front end cap. It is somewhat flexible

Radio electronics: the internals of our found object (an FM

radio) include a selection of wiring, a plastic board and capaci-

tors. The model is common and inexpensive: two members of

the group owned the same radio.

Alternative: laminated cardboard to make the endcaps water-

proof. Replace cardstock in midsection with layered vellum. 3D

print the whole product to increase accuracy. Laser cut most

parts to make joints and cuts cleaner. Machine cutting to in-

crease production speed for mass production.

Our fabrication approach focuses on 3D printing and hand tool-

ing. The endcaps and accordion body are measured, then cut

using using manual knives (affording local job opportunities and

reduced shipping costs). Pieces like the accordion section and

endcaps walls are attached using a combination of hot glue and

adhesive tape.

Our input technology relies on 3D printed parts (a volume dial

and frequency slider). These parts were specifically designed, in

3D modelling software, to fit onto pre existing attachment

points on our radio electronics board.

TEAM SLOW LORIS

Susy Hsi

Stephanie Bourgeois

Sbastien Bernier-Wong

Brendan DeBrincat

personaZaria (age 28) lives near Freetown, Sierra Leone, which despite being the country's capital is

still severely impoverished. Zaria needs a way to stay connected to what is happening across

her country without needing a landline, electricity or the burden of extra monthly bills. She

decided to purchase an Accordio because it is a cheap, one-time investment. It is powered

by Sierra Leone's ever present sun. She can take it with her to work as it is light weight and

compact. She appreciates it's simple design and cheap materials as it does not make it an

object she risks being robbed for. When she is at home she leaves the Accordio open on her

windowsill. By nightfall it is fully charged and more that capable of running through the

night. Zaria uses her Accordio to listen to music and the local and world news.

Solar panels (photovoltaic cells) mounted on the accordion

trickle charge internal batteries when the device is opened.

The frequency slider assembly is a mechanical translation. It

takes the horizontal motion a user inputs (to change the station)

and converts it into a rotational motion that we use to change

the frequency on the electronics board.

The volume dial is similar to the original, but we 3D printed a

new part to provide a larger surface area and grippy pattern. It is

easier to manipulate, and fits into our endcap casing. It was de-

signed to attach to original boss on the electronics board.

The radio internals are our found item. The board has attach-

ments for the input (volume dial and f requency slider), speakers

and power. Parts are adhered with solder and glue.