BlueSwordM
Totally new design. But it could be a fun project to the development people. The Q8 would be too expensive for the purpose.
djozz,
I looked at the organization you pointed to. They have a rather different approach to the subject. They sell not-inexpensive devices and use the income to send the same lights to places/people that need them. As priced, I don’t believe the target needs will be satisfied at the level I am thinking about. Certainly the people with no disposable money will not be served directly.
The stuff below is a brain dump. It needs a few grains of salt.
I would use an alternate approach. I would make this a new BLF project, but with designs attuned to people with essentially no money. Lowest possible cost; highest possible utility.
First of all, I do not think there are many groups around that have the intense urge to make optimal lights. Just because they can, and want to. And have some significant technical skills.
My approach would be to work with a manufacturer (like we are doing now) that can provide manufacturing expertise. They have access to the low cost parts and labor. Then the talent here can design the devices. When ready, the manufacturer can sell to groups and agencies that try to help the third world people.
The charitable groups can order in bulk and distribute as needed. Even in the US for emergency relief.
This allows any organization that needs lights to give away, rather than a multi-layered organization.
Designs must target lowest possible costs and durable units. This is sort of the antithesis of this project. No bells, no whistles. But I suspect that many of the current creators would enjoy the task.
SIGShooter points to a variant. A more durable and more expensive unit for workers (indigenous and external) on the ground. Better built, but very similar to needs of my proposed target population. And probably able to absorb a larger expense for the workers.
Possible configurations could use one or two LEDs, simple brightness control, an internal rechargeable battery of some sort, and a recharge device. Maybe a Li battery format that is not the little round cells we are used to. Whatever is most durable. Cheap sealed solar panel using advanced panel design that is cheap and maybe no or minimal electronics internally. Perhaps the lantern having all the charging smarts. The port to the lamp could charge cell phones. The panel could also charge other devices.
Robust construction. They may not be handled with care. Durable plastic. Metal as necessary. Minimize threaded components. A battery (and maybe electronics) case with a cover screwed on with water proofing. This could be a separable box with the batteries and electronics. Detach the light and connect it to a phone or the solar panel. A hard point to allow owners to make shades.
Any way, my rather random thoughts.
Reduce all costs possible.