Sun Sep 4 '22 Announcement
over 3 years ago
– Sun, Sep 04, 2022 at 04:59:02 AM
Dear (very) patient supporters:
The LifeSaber is very nearly complete except for one very important component: the motor (generator).
We received the latest prototypes, including standalone components for the rig we created just for testing the motor. After months of tinkering with this component we had high hopes and the tests started well. But while it generated even more power than previously (under simulated twirling and cranking inputs), the motor soon shorted out. Fortunately, the quickly fixable problem turned out to be the incorrect installation of insulation.
You’ll recall that our requirements are unique and exacting since our challenge is to optimize the power that can be comfortably generated by hand, at increasing levels of electronically mediated resistance (the force multiplier). The motor must run at peak efficiency (under harsh conditions) with the least possible friction for human muscles to overcome, while generating the power to restart a mobile device as quickly as possible.
We chose our current motor vendor because they have a reasonable reputation and were willing to work patiently to our custom requirements. Equally important, they believe in the product and so were willing to undertake this work without the assurance of a subsequent major order. They understand that our shared success will depend on how the market judges the LifeSaber.
Another set of prototypes is being shipped out for (hopefully) final testing of the electrical/electronic components. I’ll keep everyone updated as we do our best to overcome this last hurdle to completion.
Yours most sincerely,
Marvin Weinberger
Mon Apr 25 '22 Announcement
almost 4 years ago
– Mon, Apr 25, 2022 at 01:23:42 PM
Dear colleagues:
We’ve just completed exhaustive testing of the current round of prototypes. Our primary interest was to evaluate the motor/generator to assess power production at varying levels of torque/resistance (also referred to as the ‘force multiplier’).
We set up a test-rig (see below) to drive our custom generator at a relatively constant 120 rpm (which we have found is a comfortable ‘resonant frequency’ for humans whether twirling or cranking). We then electronically varied the torque, ranging from a very low level of resistance (necessary when twirling, one-handed) to the highest (but still comfortable) levels appropriate when a fit person is really cranking.
The test revealed that the motor was not generating a consistent 5w.
To remedy this shortfall, we’ve requested the manufacturer to further modify our custom motor - by adding an extra layer of coil while decreasing the internal resistance - so that we can improve power output from cranking and twirling.
Here are just a few of the many additional changes prompted by our exhaustive testing (undertaken both in Philly and Shenzen).
- Simplify the buttons and functions and remove the side controls (which would have biased towards a right-handed operation).
- Add an on/off button to send the LifeSaber into a very deep sleep, thus conserving battery levels when not in use.
- Improved flashlight brightness.
- Dramatically increase the siren sound and brightness/frequency of the strobe for emergency function. When it comes to alerting rescuers or disorienting attackers, the LifeSaber will be a serious tool.
- Improve the swing-arm/grip to eliminate obstructions and enhance ergonomics. The grip (which is also the weight for centrifugal twirling) snaps over the body to lock in place when not in use.
- Stayed with micro-USB for recharging the LifeSaber when plugged into a wall while upgrading to USB-C for charging external devices from the LifeSaber. We considered implementing one USB-C connector - to be used for both recharging and charging - but the requisite smart circuitry is still too expensive.
- Made some additional tweaks to the combination (reversible) water purifier/firestarter module. See image attached for this unique and incredibly compact dual accessory. This is a dramatic improvement over our original design.
- Revised the control buttons to synch with the timing (safety) circuitry associated with the snap-in module.
- Improve the sealing cap to cover the (now) internally stored combo module.
- And much more!
We hope to receive a revised and improved motor generator within the next two weeks. Assuming it meets our expectations after retesting, we’ll finally be ready to order some pre-production LifeSaber prototypes. These limited samples will be distributed for official review and critique by industry leaders.
And finally, don’t worry if your address has changed since originally backing the campaign. We’ll distribute a questionnaire before shipping giving you the opportunity to update your details and preferences, order accessories, etc.
Marvin
P.S.: It’s been one thing after another for the past 5 months, and now – notwithstanding precautions – my wife and I are recuperating from Covid. I hope that you and your family are doing better.
Anyway, once I can finally get back on the bike, I intend to train in earnest for September’s City-to-Shore Ride to Fight MS. Last year I raised nearly $11,000. This year I hope to do much more on behalf of this worthy cause. Please click here to make a donation. Of course, we’ve already generously donated to support the cause of liberty in Ukraine!
Tue Mar 1 '22 Announcement
about 4 years ago
– Tue, Mar 01, 2022 at 01:36:39 PM
Dear patient supporters:
As you can see from the attached image, our contract manufacturer in Shenzen has sourced (or made by hand) all of the parts for the LifeSaber. These include the crucial custom motor/generator. The PCB boards are also complete, though not shown.
The next step is to assemble multiple units to be used for comprehensive testing both in China and back here in Philadelphia. The major focus of this effort will be to evaluate the generator and electronics (as well as the ergonomics and overall utility).
I'm hoping that these evaluation units will arrive within the next 2 weeks (shipping into/out of China has been very disrupted). Of course, there will be necessary modifications. But, assuming no insuperable problems (requiring a fundamental redesign), we'll be finally ready to order the official, pre-production prototypes.
These units will be shipped to professionals in the outdoors and survival space as well as to select members of the media and key distributors.
Once all of their feedback has been received, and final tweeks made, we'll - at last - be ready to start full-scale production.
But first, we need to get through the upcoming testing.
Thank you.
Marvin Weinberger
P.S.: I’m in training once again for the 75-mile City-to-Shore-Ride to fight MS and would value your support. My 2022 goal is to raise $10,000. Please click here to make a donation.
Sun Jan 16 '22 Announcement
about 4 years ago
– Sun, Jan 16, 2022 at 12:13:00 PM
After extensive testing, multiple redesigns and hours back and forth (via translation) to the onsite engineers in Shenzen, I've decided we are ready for what (hopefully) will be the next-to-last round of LifeSaber prototypes.
I just wired $4,900 to our contract manufacturer to purchase dozens of sets of parts, including the custom motor/generator. From these components, they'll be hand-assembling 3 full-up working (and aesthetically realistic) prototypes. As well, they will be building 2 'naked' units (minus the case). These will be fitted with circuitry for monitoring every aspect of the functions and installed on a special testbed. We will then drive the generator/electronics from another motor in order to simulate a user's twirling/cranking - while varying the torque resistance settings. We'll model the range of even remotely possible human rotational inputs. Meanwhile, the assembled units will be assessed for fit/function/appearance/ergonomics and everything else we can think of.
Because of the lead time to handmake, in particular, our unique generators - with a further delay due to Chinese New Year celebrations - we aren't expecting to receive this next round of prototypes till later in February.
After any redesigns which arise from our extensive testing of these units, we'll then finally be ready to order up dozens of (hopefully final) manufacturing-ready prototypes. These golden samples will be distributed for field testing to leading outdoor/survival experts. Some will also be shared with your fellow backers. We'll be looking for an unblinking assessment.
If all goes well, and after any final (and hopefully very minor tweaks) we'll then finally be set to start production of the real-deal LifeSaber! Of course, we'll begin shipping as soon as units start to roll off of the assembly line. Realistically, we'll start to fulfill pledges by early summer.
Meanwhile, I've been busy on another product concept - the GrillFighter - which actually predates my work on the LifeSaber. I happen to love BBQ, and have numerous patents on the use of chainmail for cleaning the grill (and much more). Some of you may know a product of my design used for cleaning cast-iron cookware (without removing the 'seasoning'). This very popular tool is sold under license by Lodge Manufacturing. https://www.lodgecastiron.com/product/chainmail-scrubbing-pad?sku=ACM10R41
Here's a link to an in-house video we created to demonstrate the GrillFighter in use. Depending on the model, the products will probably range in price from $20 to $35. https://youtu.be/oo6xm2DoOOE
I've already lined up the manufacturing for these products (which are vastly simpler to make than the LifeSaber). So what do you think?
Tue Dec 7 '21 Announcement
over 4 years ago
– Tue, Dec 07, 2021 at 02:27:12 PM
Dear backers:
After an arduous development cycle, we've just received from our Chinese contract manufacturer the next-generation prototype of the LifeSaber. This unit incorporates the carefully sourced pre-production components, including the all-critical motor/generator and the programmed circuit boards.
We had hoped to have the detailed testing completed by today (which is why I've held off on the update), but my EE colleague has had a major family emergency which may (and probably should) continue to consumer much of his energies for the next few weeks.
This is particularly frustrating (even if understandable) as our Chinese partner is anxious to incorporate any requisite fixes with an eye to producing a set of true pre-production prototypes by late January. These units - though hand-crafted via CNC - will reflect the (hopefully) final look and feel as well as full-functionality. Our intent is to distribute these (costly) samples to outdoor gurus and major potential retailers for their objective field testing.
So, we are getting very close.
With appreciation for your continued patience and support, I remain
Yours most sincerely,
Marvin
