Future Technology » Search Results » dexterity

Chukka : Kinetic Music Player That Can Produce Electric Energy by Any Kind of Movement

TheFuture — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:20:06 +0000

Chukka is a patent pending concept device that intrigues the user to interact. This concept device is consists of several freely movable beads tied with cable, allowing hitting together for an enjoyable motion or enable two balanced sections to energetically swing between the fingers.

This concept device can be held in ways that is comfortable by the user and enables the utilization of the index finger and thumb. Most amazingly, this device can produce electrical energy by any kind of movement, even slight vibration persuades electricity, which is used to charge this device. More energetic interactions, such as, swinging the device repetitively between and around the index finger and thumb, gives a greater charge. The user can learn, develop and combine varieties of techniques for not only powering the device, but also increase the hand dexterity and coordination.

The track control section includes an electromagnetic inducer that generates an electric charge for the device from any kind of vibration or motion. The volume control segment includes all the major electronic modules of the device, including phono input, headphone output, memory storage unit and logic board. The volume control contains basic controls only and no screen, allows less energy requirement. The soft exterior casing of both main parts and beads provide easy grip and tactility, and is consists of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is an energy efficient material to manufacture and consequently, can be effectively recycled. The inner casing is made of stainless steel and provides protection to the electrical equipments and offers a tactile weight to the device. Aside from giving the device a unique form, the cable connects the two sections and transfer energy to all other components from the power supply.

Revealing the cable detach screws can be done by pulling out the soft outer casing. Unscrewing these will separate the entire device into different components that will let the user customize, repair and replace the components. Adjusting volume and track selection can be controlled by turning the end beads within the consequent end sections. The power and play or pause is controlled by clicking the beads into the sections.

Designer : Thomas Mascall

No More Messy Toothpaste Tubes with Chube Automated Toothpaste Dispenser

TheFuture — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:05:43 +0000

Are you tired of dealing with messy toothpaste tubes? If yes, then try out automatic toothpaste dispenser. It helps to conserve toothpaste with even flow dispensing and draws the complete volume of toothpaste from the tube eliminating any waste. When you put your toothbrush under the nozzle, a motion detector triggers an internal motor that pumps a pre-set amount of toothpaste directly onto the brush. Standard toothpaste is contained in Chube-specific cartridges that are sold at grocery, department and drug stores. You simply insert a new cartridge into the dispenser and prime the pump and Chube is ready to go. Once empty, Chube cartridges can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling. In return, consumers receive rebates or coupons for discounts on future purchases. The reusable cartridge caps are dishwasher safe and are available in an assortment of decorator styles. This device can be mounted to any smooth surface and comes in different colors and shapes.

Text from designer :

The loop at the top of the one tube design is not for hanging but had two purposes:
1. It allows people who lack dexterity, such as those with arthritis, to easily grasp the tube and pull it out of the dispenser when it’s empty and needs to be replaced. The loop can be easily grabbed with any one or several fingers.

2. It’s a visual target for the visually impaired.

Designer : Michael Gamstetter

Freemode Lightweight Wheelchair Made of Fiberglass

TheFuture — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:05:16 +0000

‘Freemode’ the new chair design by John Dyson, has been designed with the motto of helping the people with disabilities to gain more freedom and personal space. The chair with its innovative storage/collapsibility can be used both for personal and as well as hospital. It is easy to use and highly functional thus for collapsing the chair the necessity of usage of hands is not there. Also the base material used is that of fiber glass as the chair is exposed to different environments like shower and toilet functions which involve water. Thus this is a practical solution for the physically challenged.

The “Freemode” is the only one of its kind. This chair is designed with the aspiration to help the many people with disabilities gain more freedom and personal space which is so often compromised. With its innovative storage/ collapsibility it has potential to be used personally and in hospitals/ nursing homes where minimal storage space is required.

The simplicity of the quick release pins on the hub of the main wheel and also at the top of the castor wheels, means they can easily be removed and packs in on top of the collapsed commode frame in a carry case.

Under influence from John Dyson, a good design is designed from the inside out. This chair was designed using the same process so everything which is on the chair has been designed specifically to be there and is an integral part of the chairs design.

The “Freemode” is highly functional and easy to use. This design means that there is no hand dexterity required to assemble or collapse the chair. There is currently only one model available which is considered to be collapsible. It is made by a New Zealand company but it requires extremely good hand dexterity in order to collapse and assemble the chair as its joints are made from wing nuts and bolts.

Fiberglass is used in many water sports equipment design. As this chair is required for both shower and toilet functions it will be able to live up to the required expectations and with such a durable surface material, it will be easy to fix in years to come.

While designing the chair, Julie was careful to consider how it would be manufactured. Working closely with a local ‘glass’ expert, on some areas of the design, Julie made sure the chair was designed so that it could be made in three easy moulds. An alternative to fiberglass would be ABS.

There is a severe lack of disability design being done both nationally and internationally and with increasing elderly numbers and other lifestyle factors, more and more people may require a commode at some stage of their lives.

Designer : Julie Clyde

The Access, Advanced Exercise Machine for Users With or Without Disabilities

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:43:19 +0000

Everyone today is totally health and fitness conscious. All are more interested in keeping themselves in shape and are either joining gyms or better setting up their own personal gym. The ‘Access’ is a sleek and advanced exercise machine which accommodates the users with or without disabilities by using engineering and universal design. That’s not all, it also combines the features of multiple machines into one thus giving the user a full-body workout. It also comes with simplified, minimal controls that enable people with limited dexterity to set up and use it with ease. It also has adjustable grip attachments thus allowing people with variable body mass ratio as per their convenience.

Designer : Ryan Eder