The Design of a Portable Floor Lamp

Citation

Ford, Harold Harrison (1948) The Design of a Portable Floor Lamp. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/wbax-jn36. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04082025-214129298

Abstract

A portable floor lamp has been developed for residential lighting, employing modern light sources to provide illumination of optimum quantity and quality for reading and a variety of room lighting effects. Improvement over existing types was accomplished by use of adjustable auxiliary reading light, below eye level, in conjunction with general luminaire of standard height. Specular reflection from glossy paper was markedly reduced by decreasing light source brightness and increasing its area relative to the printed page. Illumination intensity level was raised to 100 footcandles by reducing distance between page and source, while adequate brightness of surroundings was maintained by over-all room lighting from general lighting unit. Indicator on reading lamp assists user in selection of proper illumination for each visual task. Operation cost was reduced 30 per cent by partial use of fluorescent light sources. Design embodies conclusions drawn from extensive research in marketing, manufacturing, consumer preferences, competitive products and the science of light and vision, to provide a versatile, sight-saving lamp for successful mass production and marketing.

Thesis Files