concept – Page 29 – DesignApplause

reCycle. Energy concept.

Feb 16, 2009

Energy is something that is all around us. The challenging part is finding a way to harness this energy.
ReCycle targets the wasted energy that is generated while riding a bicycle and empowers consumers to not only consume, but produce.

This concept effectively takes you of “the grid” to power and recharge your electronics gadgets.

How Recycle works:
It captures kinetic energy from the subtle rocking back and forth while pedaling, bumpy terrain the user may travel over and any other movements that take place during a bike ride. ReCycle contains three micro generators and a lithium ion battery. These micro generators create an electric charge during any movement of the bicycle. When this electric charge is generated, it is stored in a lithium ion battery. This battery is attached to the charging unit while the user is riding their bike. After the ride, the battery can be easily removed and used to power any number of electronics. At one end of the battery there is a basic wall outlet.

Imagine having a cell phone that has never been plugged into the wall!

This technology is currently being developed to create self charged batteries for cell phones and other electronic devices at m2e power

Designer: Evan Grant. USA

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.

ThisWay bicycle.

Jan 29, 2009

ThisWay bike concept.

Description:
A comfortable pedal powered bicycle with weather protection.

Emphasis is made on automotive qualities in the design, to attract non-previous cyclists used to cars and motorcycles.

Another selling point to attract more people riding a bike (particularly here in Europe) is weather protection – ThisWay has a roof.

Built in composite materials (carbon or flax fiber) and some hydro-formed aluminum, this vehicle is very lightweight (approximately 11-12kg). It has built-in LED lights front and rear, powered by a rechargeable battery obtaining its power from roof mounted solar cells. For minimum maintenance ThisWay’s built-in belt drive is well protected and all cables are hidden within the frame.

The car-like ergonomics offers a riding position lower than a traditional bike to keep a low center of gravity and optimal aerodynamics.

The design has simple controls for ease of use; single hand brake lever and hub gears type Torpedo Duomatic providing Low and Hi gear.

The rear of the frame has a “luggage connector”, where the user plugs-in his/her luggage (e g briefcase, helmet box or rack for shopping bags). The design also benefits from flexibility and comfort for riders of different sizes, as the crankset and seat is adjustable in length/height.

A “hybrid” version (pedal power/electric motor) is possible and additional battery pack plugged-in into the luggage connector will extend the range further.

Although this design is more expensive to manufacture compared to its traditional rivals, it is still just a fraction of the price of a car and virtually zero in running costs…

Motivation:
There are roofed bikes out there on the market already such as rickshaws, recumbents, HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles)/velomobiles etc., so covered bikes do exist since a long time but the challenge is to design a functional and desirable bicycle that even appeals to non-previous cyclists.

It makes sense for a commuter bike here in Central and Northern Europe to offer some degree of weather protection for improved comfort. Instead of creating a totally enclosed design similar to other HPVs/velomobiles risking the user to feel isolated, a more open design will allow a higher degree of interaction with the surroundings.

Winner Bicycle Design “commuter bike for masses” design competition. See the Bicycle Design list of finalists .

Designer: Torkel Dohmers

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.

Carbon dioxide scrubber.

Jan 21, 2009

It is cool to be green these days, and David Keith and his team think the Carbon Dioxide Scrubber could be the next big thing. This device is supposed to capturing CO2 straight from the air and purify it, making our air much cleaner.

Also known as the eCO2, this personal scrubber unit aims to help an individual reduce or even erase his/her personal carbon footprint throughout the day. How does it do this? Fashioned after a futuristic looking wristwatch, it relies on kinetic energy to power it, pulling in air via intake vents to collect CO2 and expelling clean air through its exhaust vents. We wonder whether wearing five of these on each arm will help us offset more than our fair share of carbon footprint. As an added bonus, the eCO2 also doubles up as a timepiece, and we think it has plenty of potential when used with a Wii while you’re busy trying to knock your opponent out in Wii Boxing.

Designer: james kershaw & Chad Garn

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.

Mini E. Test drivers wanted.

Nov 5, 2008

MINI announced that they’ll be giving up to 500 test drivers the opportunity to test drive the new no-carbon footprint electric MINI E before it’s released.

The diminutive 3-door MINI E is powered by a 100% electric motor (hybrids are for wusses), and still manages to go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in about 8.5 seconds. While a top speed of 95 mph (152 km/h) isn’t going to break any world records, it’s plenty for anyone who doesn’t spend much time on the autobahn or the race track.

The car gets its juice from over 5,000 individual power cells, joined together to form a single composite battery. At peak, the motor can crank out 204-horsepower and 162 ft/lb of torque – not too shabby for an electric car.

With a cruising range of 150 miles (approx. 240 km), the MINI E should be fine for heading back and forth to the office, grocery, or any other short haul local destination.

If you live in Southern California, New York City or New Jersey, you could be selected to be one of the lucky early test drivers. For your chance to test out the new MINI E, head on over to MINI Space and fill out the form for more information on applying.

Mini specs

Producer: Mini

The Laptop. Underground stadium.

Oct 16, 2008

We’ve seen the splendor of China’s Bird’s Nest, now check out a new contender for the prize of most unique stadium. The stadium design by MZ & Partners Architects has already earned the nickname “The Laptop.” The main stand is upright with most of its height coming from the underground field. All lights will be embedded in the surrounding architecture of the stadium. It is hoped that the underground stadium will help keep the players and spectators cooler. It is expected to be completed in 2010.

If all goes to plan, ‘The Wall’ stadium in Doha, Qatar’s capital city, will claim two firsts: The world’s first underground stadium and the world’s first open-air, air-conditioned stadium. There’s a long way to go however and the stadium is not due to be completed untl 2010 at the earliest, however if the finished product looks anything like the plans released by MZ & Partners Architects then paying spectators are in for a treat.

After looking at the stadium from above you can immediately see why The Wall has already gained the nickname ‘The Laptop’. The stadium’s main stand sits upright, the majority of its height emerging from the underground pitch as if having been lifted opened by an enormous referee. There will be no traditional floodlights, a feature the architects seem to be quite proud of, as all lights will be embedded within the surrounding architecture, adding to the stadium’s mystical feel.

So why underground? Obviously it’s a great coup to have the world’s first underground stadium but there’s one invaluable benefit, especially in a climate such as Qatar’s: temperature control. A subterranean stadium should ensure that the pitch and its spectators retain a cool, bearable atmosphere naturally without the need to spend millions of pounds on air-conditioning.

The stadium is apparently part of Doha’s forthcoming bid to host the 2018 World Cup and if the location was decided purely down to stadium architecture, they may have a chance. The one concern? The Wall will only be able to seat 11′000 people.

Designer: MZ & Partners Architects

Ferrari superbike. V4.

Oct 16, 2008

Ferrari V-4 super bike concept based on Enzo. Israeli industrial designer Amir Glinik has come up with an incredible Ferrari motorcycle concept using a modified engine from the Ferrari Enzo supercar.

Using drive-by-wire technology, the V4 superbike features hand controls adapted from an F-16 fighter jet and buttons based on those found on the steering wheel of Ferrari’s Formula 1 racecars. Other controls for the sound system and trip computer are located on an all weather touchscreen.

“Vintage and modern Ferrari projects influence my design,” Glinik notes. “It’s a mix of what I find to be the best Ferrari lines with the latest technology I could think of in terms of engine, gear and driving management.” He has also made a version in bright yellow. As far as how fast it goes and how much the bike would cost, we can only speculate about very big numbers in both cases. We have no idea if Glinik’s V4, which he’s been working on for the past few years, will ever reach the production stage, but we think he’s got a real winner here.

Ferrari, as we all know, have very Italian designs for their supercars, so a motorcycle should be similar. Aerodynamic, stylish and totally like nothing else on the market. To this, Glinik has succeeded without any doubts.

Using a modified “V4” based on the engine of a Ferrari Enzo car, Glinik dreamed up this incredibly beautiful and sleek motorcycle:

Wouldn’t this be a great addition to the super motorcycles already in existence. Obviously its cost will be sky high, but if you have to ask, you can’t afford it anyway. Only the likes of Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt could…

This is a very pretty rendition of a Ferrari motorcycle… bravo!

And as a rebellion to the Ferrari-red purists, he has even designed a yellow version

Designer: Amir Glinik

via luxist motorbiker.org

Axon eco-car. 2010.

Oct 3, 2008

Anyone wondering what gasoline will cost in 2010? Here is a car from the Sexy Green Car Show you should keep abreast of. It’s a four seater eco car built from lightweight materials and should be on the market by 2010.

The British-designed Axon uses a tiny 500cc engine to give a fantastic 100 miles per gallon plus a top speed of 90 miles an hour.

It’s made from recycled carbon fibre – the same lightweight stuff used to make the bodies of Formula 1 cars.

And it has also been wind-tunnel tested to make it as aerodynamic as possible.

The two cylinder engine has only 43bhp, but that should be enough to help it keep up with other traffic because of the light weight.

It will meet the latest emissions standards, emitting only 70g/km of carbon dioxide according to the makers.

You can place an order now.

Interior

There is space for two adults and two children in child seats, and if the rear seats are not being used, this versatile design has a removable rear to turn it into a pickup.

The seat covers in the prototype are made from recycled denim and pin-striped suits, and will remain an option.

Fast facts

Price: £10,900 ($19,000 USD)

Mechanical: 43bhp, 500cc, 2 cyl petrol driving front wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 90mph
0-62mph: N/A
Combined mpg: 100
Insurance group: N/A
CO2 emissions: 70g/km
BIK 15%
Warranty: N/A
Marks: 10/10 if the quality is there
Main Rival: VW Polo Bluemotion.

via eco friendly driver

Cannondale. Collapsable Jackknife.

Sep 24, 2008

Have been sitting on this post awhile getting into the mood for collapsable concepts and product. Though the “Jackknife” was created in 2006 it was worth posting as the styling and design was noteworthy.

The concept was designed by Philippe Holthuizen and Rodrigo Clavel for a contest sponsored by Cannondale Europe. Both are graduate students of transportation design at the Elisava Design School
in Barcelona.

The pair’s design for an urban bike called the Jackknife was so named because of the way that it folds for easy handling in elevators and on public transportation. Another feature that makes this bike practical for commuting and riding around town is the hydraulic drive system, which stays clean and requires very little maintenance. The design incorporates several features that characterize the Cannondale brand such as oversized tubing, HeadShok front suspension, and a “lefty” monoblade fork.

>
A year later the above photo from Bicycle Design with words from the author. “Just recently, I ran across this picture of the Jackknife prototype from the 2006 Fiets Rai show in Holland. Can anyone who attended the show let me know what was being said about this concept bike? I assume that Cannondale Europe is just using it as a show bike to generate attention, but I am curious if they are actively developing any elements from it. If any of you have heard anything, let me know.”

The following pics are from the Cannondale site with a historical development story inspired by the Jackknife concept…

Heritage: Cannondale Raven II with Lefty fork (1999)

Raven III Urban Concept (2004)

Jan 2006 – ID Dept. starts The Quantum Leap Project Goal: A ridable and fully functional bike inspired by the Jackknife

Frame, Righty Fork, and Case Closed Technology

Sweet looking final Product.

via bicycle design cannondale

Megane coupe. Concept.

Sep 17, 2008

As with many of the concepts shown this year of the Renault Megane Coupe foreshadows a production version that’s set to be released at a later date. Of course, don’t expect the gullwing doors or the futuristic interior to find their way into production, but you can get a general idea of what Renault has in store for us when it presents its answer to the VW Scirocco Coupe in a couple of years.

Measuring in at 4,51m or 177.5-inches in length, the compact coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 200 Hp that’s matted to a six-speed manual gearbox. According to the French carmaker, while the prototype coupe sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 sec, it manages to deliver an avg fuel consumption of just 6.5 lt / 100 km or 36.2 MPG (US).

The existing Megane – along with its distinguished curved rear window – is on its way out, and Renault is assuredly working hard at a new design that will capture buyers’ attention in an increasingly crowded market. Maybe we will see more at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.

via autoblog

EV-X7. Electric motorcycle.

Mar 17, 2008

Here’s one electric vehicle where limited range no longer seems unpalatable. Designed and built in China by a company called Axle Corporation, the EV-X7 is driven by an electric wheel hub motor and has a top speed of 93 mph. This, of course, is a snail’s pace compared to modern motorcycles, but then again, this doesn’t burn an ounce of fossil fuel. It also looks like something the police force in Minority Report would patrol the suburbs with, were it painted black. (more…)