Indiana Bicentennial

Torch Relay

About the Torch

The Indiana Bicentennial Commission (IBC) was created by former governor Mitch Daniels to plan and execute a statewide celebration of Indiana’s 200th birthday in 2016. The commission has requested that researchers at Purdue University develop a high-tech Indiana-made flame torch a la the Olympic torch to be used in the celebration and displayed throughout all 92 counties of the state. In addition, the IBC requested that Purdue’s EPICS program develop a kid-friendly torch that can be used alongside the actual torch in relays, celebrations, and community outreach events throughout the state. This ongoing project serves to bring together various engineering disciplines for one common goal to produce a representative torch to help commemorate Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration and in the process inspire Hoosiers and promote unity across the state by connecting people, communities, and regions.

Our Role

As part of the Purdue EPICS design Team, we were asked by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission to build a non-flammable torch to be used for all children and adults in the relay that resembled both the flagship torch and the Indiana State flag. This torch will help embody Indiana values and tell the story of Indiana’s historic upbringing.

In order to create a realistic artificial flame that resembled the Indiana State flag, we went through many stages in designing the perfect flame. We started off with a simple shape to match the scale of an actual flame and modify it for our version. Another model of the flame was scanned from an existing toy torch which allowed us to get a feel of what an actual flame may appear as a solid figure. The last flame was designed by a local artist who stayed true to the 1916 flag design. After taking a survey among students at a local Intermediate School and discussing terms with our project partner, a final decision was made to use the scanned version of the flame.

Timeline

My Role

In this project, I played many roles that helped our team complete our goals. I was the Financial Officer where I managed the budget, ordered parts, filled our applications for grants, and kept a bill of materials. In addition to Financial Officer, I was also a member of the Mechanical Design team where we designed many aspects of the physical torch including its shape, features, materials and color. I was also responsible for contacting our manufacturer, Hoosier Pattern, who 3D printed high quality torches which were used in the final design and the Bicentennial Relay.

2016

Specs

Height

6"

Width

6"

Height

4"

Height

14"

Push

Button

Power

Switch

"A Child Friendly Torch"

Flame

3D printed translucent flame

6" tall

Visible flame in various conditions

15 neopixel RGB digital LEDS

Programmed flame algorithms

Realistic flicker effect

Multiple flicker patterns

Body

True to 1916 design

3D printed body and plate

6" diameter plate

2" tapered handle

14" tall

Less than 1 lb

19 stars representing Indiana birth

Golden coat

Easy handling for children, elderly

Removable top plate

2 screws to fasten plate

Power switch

Momentary push button for light modes

Interior

Rechargeable 3.7 VDC Li-ion battery

Powers system for multiple hours

Small trinket controls LEDS

Power boost system regulates power and recharges battery

My Role

In this project I was both Financial Officer and a member of the Mechanical Design Team. As Financial Officer, I had many responsibilities including creating a team budget, ordering specific parts, applying for grants, keeping a bill of materials, and making sure we stayed within our budget throughout each semester. On the Mechanical Design Team, I helped out with the outer design of the torch as well as the coloring, details, logistics of each part, and design presentations. In addition to my roles on the team, I was also responsible for contacting our manufacturer who would go on and create the final torches used in the Bicentennial Relay.

Media and Recognition

The Process

Artificial Flame

Lighting

In order to provide a realistic flickering flame, we used a refined LED strip layout and programmed a control algorithm to simulate the flame motion. We also included a few more light algorithms in order to add more features for the children. To fill out the artificial flame cover, we bound the LEDS around a rod built into the plate. By doing this, the flame can be evenly lit from every angle of the torch.

Upper Plate

Our upper plate was designed to hold our LEDs in place and allow easy access to swap out the battery. It is thin enough to fit both on top and just inside the body of torch to create a much cleaner design. It also includes two holes for screws to fasten the plate in place and a hole for the wires to go to the rest of the torch. This allows for easy accessibility to both the battery and the electronics inside of the torch.

Power Source

Since our torch would participate in a long relay around the state, we decided that the best way to power our torch would be through a rechargeable battery. We used a 3.7 VDC Li-ion battery that could be charged by its compatible charger pack or through the micro-usb.

Body

The body of our torch is designed to truly represent the State of Indiana. Its body style is similar to the torch on the State flag and is one continuous piece allowing it to be seamless. 3D-printed from our friends from Hoosier Pattern, its lightweight form allows for easy carry for all ages. It has a power switch and a momentary push button on the lower band, allowing for easy accessibility to each light mode.The nineteen stars represent Indiana's birth as the nineteenth state of the United States. Its gold color resembles the flagship torch, allowing for each design to reside side by side.

Delivery

In time for the relay celebration, we delivered ten Indiana made non-flammable torches. These torches were used in the Bicentennial relay along the flagship torch. They traveled through every county of Indiana and played a huge role in the celebration.