Summary
The video explores repurposing discarded disposable vapes. The creator, an engineer, demonstrates three projects: a USB-powered 18650 battery charger using vape circuitry, a DIY USB power bank utilizing a DC-DC boost converter with vape batteries, and a 'vape taser' that generates a high-voltage electric shock. The projects highlight the wasteful nature of disposable electronics and offer sustainable alternatives.
Key Insights
Disposable vapes contain valuable electronic components and lithium-ion batteries that can be salvaged and repurposed.
The video details the internal components of disposable vapes, including microprocessors, touchless capacitive sensors, LEDs, microphones, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The creator argues that these components, particularly the batteries and charging circuitry, are often discarded prematurely and can be ingeniously repurposed for other electronic projects, thereby reducing waste.
The MT3608 DC-DC boost converter is an affordable and efficient component for stepping up voltage, enabling DIY power banks from low-voltage sources.
When creating a power bank from vape batteries (which are 3.7V), a voltage boost is needed to charge phones via USB (5V). The video highlights the MT3608 as a cost-effective (around $1.20) and highly efficient (approx. 95%) solution. It explains how the converter uses an inductor, capacitor, and high-frequency switching to increase the input voltage to the desired output level, demonstrating its effectiveness even with minor AC ripple.
Sections
Acquiring and Disassembling Discarded Vapes
Vapes are sourced from the environment, like ski resorts, to be repurposed.
The creator obtains discarded vapes, humorously describing the process of hunting for them at a ski resort and collecting them from the mountain. This highlights their availability as waste material.
Internal components include a touchless capacitive sensor for the display and battery/fluid level indicators.
Upon disassembling a vape, the creator reveals a touchless capacitive coil spring mechanism used to activate the display. This demonstrates interaction via capacitance, where the user's conductive body acts with the spring and an insulator to power the LED display and battery/fluid level indicators.
Vapes contain three 3.7-volt lithium-ion cells connected in parallel.
The internal examination shows that the vapes house multiple cylindrical lithium-ion cells, confirmed to be standard 3.7-volt types, wired in parallel. This configuration is noted as being advantageous for reuse.
Components include a microphone for detecting airflow and circuitry for heating and battery management.
Further disassembly reveals a microphone designed to react to air intake, likely used to trigger the heating element. The device also contains a microprocessor, transistors, and ICs responsible for switching the heating element, managing modes, and handling the charging/battery systems.
The batteries require punchy power to operate the device features.
Testing the vape's battery performance by simulating airflow through a fuel hose shows a significant voltage drop, indicating that the internal batteries must be capable of delivering substantial current to power the device's functions.
Project 1: USB 18650 Charger
Repurpose vape charging circuitry to create a USB-powered 18650 battery charger.
The first project involves using the salvaged charging electronics from a vape to create a charger for standard 18650 lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in flashlights and power tools.
The vape's charging board contains circuitry for charging and maintaining 18650 cells.
The creator explains that the vape's internal charging system is designed to safely charge and maintain lithium-ion cells, making it suitable for repurposing as an 18650 charger, especially since the batteries inside vapes are often similar in voltage (3.7V).
Minimal modification is needed, involving removing unused wires and hot-gluing components.
The process involves disconnecting wires related to the vape's heating element and fluid sensor. The salvaged board is then hot-glued into place, often within the vape's original casing, to create a compact and functional USB charger. The tinted cover is reattached for protection and readability of the display.
The resulting charger features an LED display indicating battery status, inspired by ADHD.
The repurposed charger utilizes the vape's original numerical LED display for battery level indication, described humorously as an 'ADHD inspired progress display,' providing a visual cue for charging status.
Project 2: DIY USB Power Bank
Build a USB power bank using salvaged vape batteries and a DC-DC boost converter.
This project aims to create a portable power bank for charging phones by combining multiple salvaged lithium-ion cells from vapes and incorporating a boost converter to achieve the necessary 5V USB output.
Vape batteries (3.7V) are insufficient for direct phone charging and require a voltage step-up.
Directly connecting vape batteries (3.7V) to a USB output (5V requirement for phones) would not work. Therefore, a voltage conversion is essential.
The MT3608 module efficiently boosts 3.7V to 5V for USB charging.
The MT3608 adjustable DC-DC boost converter is used to increase the voltage from the array of vape batteries to a stable 5V. The creator details how to adjust the potentiometer on the module to achieve the precise output voltage.
Assembly involves paralleling vape batteries and integrating the boost converter and charging cable.
Multiple vape battery packs are connected in parallel to increase capacity. The salvaged battery packs are fitted into the chosen vape casing (e.g., a Geek Bar), alongside the MT3608 boost converter and a modified USB-C cable, creating a compact power bank.
Potential capacity is estimated, and suitability for charging a phone is discussed.
The creator estimates the final capacity based on the number of paralleled vape cells, noting that while aiming for higher amp-hours, integration of the boost converter and control board may limit space. Even with reduced capacity, it's expected to provide at least one full charge for a typical smartphone.
A potential issue with battery protection circuits and rechargeability after over-discharge is addressed.
An update highlights a concern that bypassing the vape's internal battery protection circuit by connecting the boost converter directly to the battery could lead to over-discharge. However, a false alarm occurs, and the battery is successfully revived after a short charge, indicating the phone's charging control or the boost converter may have intervened.
Project 3: Vape Taser
Construct a high-voltage device ('taser') using vape components and a high-voltage module.
The third project is the creation of a device capable of delivering an electric shock, colloquially termed a 'taser,' utilizing the battery and switch from a vape, combined with a readily available low-cost high-voltage multiplier module.
A Geek Bar vape is chosen for its switch and accessible components.
A specific vape model, the Geek Bar, is selected due to its integrated switch, which is crucial for triggering the high-voltage discharge. The creator modifies the vape's casing to accommodate the new components.
A low-cost eBay high-voltage module converts battery power to high-voltage AC.
A key component is a small, inexpensive high-voltage module often found on eBay. This module essentially acts as an oscillator and transformer, converting the low DC voltage from the vape battery into a high-voltage AC output.
The vape's switch is wired to control the high-voltage module's power supply.
The original vape switch is repurposed to act as the activation switch for the high-voltage module. This involves tapping into the switch's contacts to interrupt or complete the power circuit to the module.
Electrodes are fashioned from brass screws, with hot glue used for insulation and arc shaping.
Two electrodes are created by inserting heated brass screws into the vape’s mouthpiece area. Hot glue is applied strategically to insulate the components and to guide the electrical arc between the screw heads, ensuring a consistent discharge point.
The device produces a noticeable electric shock when activated.
The creator demonstrates the device by testing it on themselves, experiencing a painful but apparently non-lethal electric shock. They emphasize that such devices are more likely to provoke retaliation than provide genuine self-defense.
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