Paper Circuit

Proof of concept for Sculpt-a-Light

Since I learned that EL (electroluminescent) circuits get too bulky to be embedded in modular tape pieces, I’ve switched to DC-powered LEDs and made a quick proof of concept prototype with paper, conductive thread, surface mount LEDs, copper tape, regular size resistors and a 1F “PowerStor” brand supercapacitor.

Testing how long an LED lasts when the capacitor is charged with 5V DC input:

Here is the paper circuit, with a quick and dirty sewing job:

• Each “module” of the tape piece consists of a capacitor, LEDs and resistors.
• When a tape piece is rolled in and the ends meet, the entire tape piece (LEDs all modules) lights up.

It works! Although the circuit gets shorted with frayed threads and big knots :p