Sustainable solar headlamp: An open source consumer medical device

This paper describes the adoption of an open source hardware release process for a wearable headlamp as a way to improve prototyping and promote regionally-appropriate technology. The headlamp has been developed to satisfy a communicated need for hands-free, directional lighting that can be charged with renewable energy technology in remote areas that lack reliable electricity. The design of the headlamp emphasizes the importance of built-in resilience as way to achieve durability. Utilizing a highly-adaptable mechanical design accompanied with guiding design principles enables the headlamp to be implemented in an unlimited number of locations; during manufacture, the product will be embedded with locally-appropriate features that complement the materials and skills available in the region. Releasing the product with an open source hardware license fosters product adaptation for the design, manufacture, and use of the headlamp in various locations. Working prototypes have been developed, and kits are available under the IEEE open-source hardware license.