A lamp shade that opens and closes when the light is switched on and off.
The lampshade is comprised of polypropylene “petals” and six bi-metallic strips which are activated by the heat emitted by a bulb. Bi-metallic strips are a sandwich of copper and steel. When heated, the copper expands more than the steel causing the strip to bend.
The effect is a beautiful flower-like lampshade, which with a 90W energy saving bulb will open to its fullest extent in five minutes. Click here for a time-lapse of the lamp opening. The lamps are on sale in the Science Museum Shop.
INSTRUCTIONS
To download assembly instructions click here. If you’d like to watch a video of how to fold the petals click here. A further video of how to assemble the lamp can be watched here.