What is a gravity light? A gravity is a light that is simply powered by gravity. It does not need electricity, solar power, or even a battery to store the energy. In order to power the light, one must attach a weight, which is in turn connected via a plastic strip. The weight attached to the strip is a form of potential energy. This form of potential energy is then converted into Kinetic Energy when the cog is turned by the downward force of the weight. This kinetic energy is then used to power the bulb. The attached mass can power the bulb for up to 30 minutes. However, how much weight is required to power the bulb? How many bulbs would the gravity light require? If it uses, let's say three, how much weight will be needed to power those bulbs. Below, I walked through just how the gravity light works, determining the weight needed to power the light, and whether or not the product seems viable. Ultimately, I concluded that the gravity light would probably not be the most viable option. In order to make it bright enough, one would probably need about 3 bulbs, and it would require about 35 kg to power those three bulbs. To put it in perspective, the average 11 year old weighs about 35 kg or (77lbs) The thought of picking up an 11 year old, 3 feet, every 30 minutes, seems like a pretty daunting task.
I arrived at a very similar weight estimation of 73 lbs! However, my assumptions were different than yours. I estimated that there were 5 LEDs in the lamp, and that the lamp was mounted 6 ft from the ground. I wonder to what extent having to lift this amount of weight to use the lamp would deter people from using it.
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