The Dream Chaser: A Rocket Ship Night-Light

The Dream Chaser is a night-light in the shape of a rocket blasting off of the table. This project is an homage to every kids dream of being an astronaut!

Lighting Options

Users have the ability to choose between different light modes by using the power button to cycle through options. Some made it look like the rocket was taking off (seen on right). Others were less visually intense by just phasing between different colors (seen on left). Users can even decide to set the light to just one color (seen below).

Internal Electronics

In order to prevent users from fiddling with the internal circuitry while they swap the battery, it is kept separately. A vacuum formed shell encloses the other electronic elements (lights, Arduino, etc.). Additionally, the electronic

enclosure shell helps push the lights against the inside of the plume allowing for those vibrant colors to shine through. The shell was attached to the base plate with machine screws, making it possible to access the circuitry if

needed (i.e., if the lamp needed to be refurbished

or the code needed to be updated).

Keeping the user in mind, the light is easy enough for a child to operate while simultaneously allowing parents or adults easy access to the battery compartment. The base plate is attached to the plume via magnet allowing users to take it off and easily swap the battery.

The whole light can easily be held with one hand. This

provides children access to the power button found on the bottom of the night-light. The button is inset on the bottom of the base plate to allow the night-light to

sit flat on a night stand.

Casting & Vacuum Forming

Casting was done with a two part silicone mold. This allowed us to create the cavity that the electronics sit in.

In addition to using a vacuum forming machine, we used a heat gun to get the PETG to wrap tightly around corners.

Reflection

Since this was my first time silicone molding and vacuum forming, I learned a lot just by going through the process. After our first design review, I had to reimagine the way I saw our night-light coming together. After many hours of talking to the teaching team, I began to understand the limitations of methods I was using. Every time I had to rethink my work, I realized how the way we manufacture things affects the way we need to think about designing them. Things that initially I thought were quick to CAD were impossible to mold. I had to compromise aesthetics for assembly. Overall, this was definitely one of my favorite projects I have ever worked on.