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Nomad Lightweight and Simple Wheelchair for Your Comfort

TheFuture — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:13:30 +0000

The Nomad Wheelchair concept is the outcome of Mark Owen’s continuous effort with his brother Jon and Angela Gidden, a furniture designer of Studio SDA, after he got paralyzed in a motorbike accident. The inconveniences and difficulties he has faced with the traditional wheelchairs became the key turning point of Mark to make an innovative wheelchair that can overcome all those problems successfully. Finally, the lightweight and minimal mobility device reached the production house with the money he got from his personal injury claim. The simple and sleek wheelchair excludes all the unnecessary elements and has been structured in a comfortable and contemporary way where a person can sit and roll for longer time without getting irritated.

Designer : Mark Owen

Mantra : Automated Life Saving System to Tackle Beach Safety Issues

TheFuture — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:48:14 +0000

Mantra is an automated life saving system concept aiming to tackle the beach safety issues that usually causes drowning casualties such as slow response time, inadequate surveillance, lack of lifeguard safety, and limitation of lifeguards as human. The Mantra concept contains small hairs with embedded electro sensors that detect distress and drowning people and swims up automatically to the spot. The victim them picked up carefully onto the built-in stretcher and it carries him or her on top of the water by using impellers and hydrofoils. There is always constant communication between the Mantra and beach lifeguards through which it carries the victim to a specified beach location where ambulance and medical team remains stand-by.

Text from Adam :
There are over 400,000 reported drownings and 8 – 10 times as much near drowning experiences worldwide every year. In the UK there are 500 annual drownings. These figures have remained the same for nearly 20 years which tells us that any current equipment and practice is not having the required impact to reduce these numbers.

I have been a beach lifeguard for a number of years and further primary and secondary research has shown that there are a number of key problems that reduce the survival rate of beach users.
These problems are:

Slow response time
Surveillance
Lifeguard safety
Human limitation of lifeguards

From this research it was decided to look to the future to see what could potentially be new directions for beach safety equipment, this design is therefore based for the year 2020.

The design process was in close collaboration with the BSA (British Surfing Association) headquarters in Newquay (UK). Starting with brainstorming where no idea was a bad idea, followed by concept generation and a wide variety of modeling and system/ scenario testing, the design took innovation from nature, new and existing technologies and user testing.

Explanation of final design

The ‘Mantra’ lives on the sea bed during peak seasons just off the coast of beaches; it uses small hairs on its surface to collect and store energy from tides and waves (called ‘Super Cillia Skin’). It detects distress and drowning using electro sensors coupled with sonar which even today are highly sensitive, for example heartbeats and movements can easily be monitored. When a casualty is detected it swims up to 15mph using SMAs in the wings. The victim is carefully picked up onto an inbuilt stretcher where they are carried on top the water using hydrofoils and impellers. The ‘Mantra’ is always in constant communication with lifeguards and so is met at a specific beach location by lifeguards and ambulances where an EAP is in place and the stretcher is removed without disturbing the patient, who in the worst case scenario may have neck injuries.

Stretchers are replaced and the ‘Mantra’ can assume its position at sea once more. The whole process is estimated to take under 2 minutes.

The final design as can be seen from images, uses biomimicry from a manta ray for many reasons –

Large flat surface area for all weather stability
Excellent turning circle and manouverability
Excellent strength to weight ratio
Low energy travel
Considered as a non aggressive creature/ form

Advantages of ‘Mantra’:

Removal of contact with bodily fluid
Safety of lifeguards
Immediate response time
Completely automated
Better for spinal and other injuries
Aesthetics
Function
Sustainable

Designer : Adam Scott

Expand Recycling Bin for Apartment and Office Buildings by SpringTime

TheFuture — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:06:12 +0000

The Expand Recycling Bin concept with its various handy features will be able to reduce the recycling management difficulties and inefficiencies for electronic wastages easily. It can be easily moved from one place to another and it will alert the recycling agency about its exact current location so that they can organize their pickup routes accordingly when the bin is full.

The Expandable Recycling bin features a low starting and increases its height gradually with the wastages, allowing effective space management and low drop for brittle electronics. The facility manager of an apartment or office can have a visual feedback through the expansion and a maximum size bin denotes it needed to be emptied. It features a RFID locking system that ensures only valid residents with a RFID tag can open and use the bin. Besides, there will be a designated person with a special access tag to unlock the wheels. Biopregs, an eco-friendly bio-composite is the main material that has been used to create the two major parts of the bin. Cautious emptying in the pickup-vehicle has been ensured by placing a reusable bag in the bin which is lifted out with a crane. The bag is prepared of heavy duty fabric with durable chemical proof coating.

Designer : SpringTime

Luxury WHY Wally-Hermes Yacht Redefines The Art of Living On The Sea

TheFuture — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:25:24 +0000

The WHY yacht is a concept yacht dedicatedly focused on bringing luxury living lifestyle on the sea through offering maximum durability, space and cutting-edge technologies at every single turn. The yacht is contained in a triangle shaped hull measuring 58 x 38 meter and the interior is furnished with water resistant buffalo leather with calpinage technique. Aside from the 25 meter long seawater pool on the bow, the boat creates a completely flat water surface behind it, similar to an Olympic-size pool where boarders can swim in peace. The boat is powered by a diesel electric engine and a central computer manages the different sources of energy. Moreover, about 900 square meters of photovoltaic surface panel generates a part of the energy that is required to subsist the boat.

[Press Release]

Ancona, Italy. September 22, 2009. WHY, Wally Hermès Yachts, today unveils a revolutionary
approach to cruising in motor yachts with the presentation of a full size model of its first born, an
innovative 58 metre-long 38 metre-wide yacht, in Ancona’s shipyard.

Wally Hermès Yachts: a joint-venture.
WHY is the result of the joint-venture signed in June 2008 between Hermès and Wally, to develop a new type of motor yacht redefining the art of living on the sea. The iconic Parisian house and the iconic Monaco yacht brand formed an equal partnership whereby each company is fully involved in all aspects of the conception and design of each project. Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Artistic Director of Hermès says : “When we met, in autumn 2007, Luca Bassani Antivari, President of Wally had thought about asking Hermès to accessorise the interior of one of his boats. I was impressed by the daring of his projects. My instinct was to get on board with him and go and seek out new territories in yacht design, but I had no interest in speed.”

Luca Bassani Antivari explains: “What I’ve always liked about Hermès, aside from its intrinsic quality, is its audacity and radicalism; its desire to go beyond trends, to make no compromises and to maintain the authenticity of the house. Wally shares the same values, ‘Hermès-on-Land’, ‘Wally-on-Sea’: inevitably our paths had to cross.”

WHY 58×38
The common values of the two brands have led to a first yacht that offers an unparalleled living space at sea. WHY was developed to give life to this concept assembling a team of dedicated talents in design, engineering, and naval architecture.

Then the tried and tested Norwegian Ramform hull characterised by exceptional and unprecedented stability and volume and spotted by Luca Bassani Antivari, revealed itself as the ideal choice to be adapted to the WHY 58×38 project.

Following this unique adaptation, the decks and the interiors were developed in accordance with the fundamental credo of WHY, ‘form-equals-function’. Thus were born other innovations in the world of mega yachts: patios generously flooding the interior with natural light, photovoltaic panels on the glass hull sides, as well as on the roof opening, like Venetian blinds, a 25 metre-long forward end swimming pool, and a 36-metre aft deck beach.
WHY 58×38 offers comfort, privacy, stability, space, independence and sustainability.

Sustainability
“We are very interested in creating a yacht that will have a low environmental impact”, says Pierre-Alexis Dumas. “Its relationship with the sea must be respectful and easy. WHY intends to offer a new way of moving over water by creating an innovative way of managing and recycling its sources and uses of energy.”
“If you want to go totally ecological, it’s only sailing yacht. The reality is that today, 90 % of the market is powerboats, echoes Luca Bassani Antivari. Our aim is to reduce diesel consumption per year and per yacht: 20 to 30 % for propulsion and 40 to 50 % for generation.”

Thanks to its specific hull, WHY 58×38 requires less power at cruising speed than a boat of equal size. Its diesel-electric propulsion is the most efficient motorisation today, and the surface of the photovoltaic panels, almost 900 square metres, covers most of the boat’s auxiliary system needs.

WHY Research and Development plan to optimize this project’s energy consumption by improving the isolation of the yacht and the heat recovery of its engines, and is also investigating the latest wind energy production and wind propulsion system technologies.

In comparison to a yacht of the same size, WHY 58×38 has been conceived to reduce drastically its energy consumption, saving up to 200 tons of diesel per year.
The WHY R & D program includes tank testing for hull stability in the SSPA facilities in Sweden, and the construction of a full-scale mock-up in order to allow the design team to fine tune the living areas correctly in accordance with the hull’s unique shape.

“The WHY 58X38 yacht looks very unfamiliar but it remains on a human scale. Space is the greatest luxury on the sea, but I believe the new luxury will be the time to enjoy it”, concludes Pierre-Alexis Dumas.

Designer : Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Luca Bassani Antivari, Gabriele Pezzini, and MauroSculli

E-Bin Mobile Electronic Recycle Bin for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use

TheFuture — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:24:40 +0000

e-Bin is a mobile, smart and versatile electronic recycling bin concept designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It features touch screen technology and can be programmed to send and receive useful information on both the user and the provider end. Therefore, a bin can tell a user the exact location of the nearest bin if it is full and notify the recycling company about its state at the same time. Moreover, it can also let the user know if their item would be suitable for reclining or not.

The economical mass-production design of e-Bin includes high quality carbon fiber sheets, making it strong, durable, lightweight and suitable for all weathers. It doesn’t require an electricity source since it uses solar power for its touch screen lid. An administrator needs to be logged in to customize the different settings of the smart bin.

Designer : Baharash Bagherian

Changing Flat Tire is Easy with Turtle Wrench Tool

TheFuture — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:51:25 +0000

Changing a flat tire in the middle of the road is not a good experience for anybody, especially when they are forced to do the job with inefficient tools that are supplied by the manufacturer. Turtle Wrench is a concept tool that has been designed to change the paradigm of changing a flat tire easier than ever. The product minimizes the procedures of changing a flat tire by effectively undoing all the 4 studs at once of a wheel instead of doing it individually, through using the motion force of a car. Users don’t need to rely on their physical strength only anymore and since it reduces the repairing time, the danger associated with staying in the middle of the road reduces eventually.

Text from Fabiano :
There are over 25 million legally registered vehicles on the UK’s roads today. Car manufacturers supply the basic tools that are required to perform the task of changing a wheel with every new car; these tools should be sufficient to complete the task successfully but is this really the case? Research suggests that people are reluctant to perform this task themselves.
Flat Tyres were the AA’s 3rd highest reason for call-out in 2005, beaten only by flat or faulty batteries and Lost keys.

Several user centered analyses were performed with volunteers who matched our key user profiles most closely. Existing products available for purchase were used. Many problems were highlighted in particular:
• Safety, low posture is often required, particularly in removing wheel studs and jacking the car. If the flat is on the drivers sided, the task must be performed in the road as traffic passes. This posture hides the user from passing traffic and also makes it hard for the user to see the traffic approaching. This problem is increased at night.
• Visibility of tools is poor at night. Existing tools tend to be black or grey in colour.
• Clear instructions required, particularly for those who have never performed the task before. They serve to increase the users confidence in completing the task successfully and safely.
• Psychological issues were also a key factor, many users remarked that they fear of failure would likely prevent them even attempting the task.

In every case we found that it was not possible to complete the task using the tools provided by the car manufacturer, a telescopic wrench was needed to increase the torque applied to the wheel studs.

The design concept behind the product changes the paradigm of how the most problematic task of changing a flat tyre is performed. The product minimizes the steps of changing a flat tyre by undoing the 4 studs of a wheel instead of undoing individually, using the motion force of the car.

• Utilizes the weight and motion of the car to release the 4studs, reducing required effort
• Does not rely on physical strength of user
• Improves road safety in reducing time spent in path of traffic

CONCLUSION

The final developed product is an innovative solution to the problems witnessed when changing a wheel. By loosening all four studs simultaneously, using the forces generated by the turning of the car wheel, the task becomes less demanding for the user while also reducing the time taken.

Designer : Fabiano Pottes

E-Board Tracker Bike : A Small, Funny, and Eco Friendly Motorbike

TheFuture — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:43:30 +0000

The Eboard Tracker concept doesn’t focus on just a transport vehicle, rather the designer has envisioned it as an eco-friendly, small and funny motorbike that can run at up to 30 mph and ensures better twisting around the corner of the street with its compact and light design. This bike contains hand throttle instead of traditional electric pedaling and features light, simple and optical flowing frame. A beam girder from section-I and hydro-formed tubes welded together in order to strengthen the steering head. The handlebar is shaped like an ace-bar which is fully adjustable and includes a cycle computer on top with speed, battery status and estimated remaining battery capacity readings.

This bike features a very close to “vintage racer” look with its regenerative breaking and a hub battery since they are similar to a set of drum brakes. The chain is swapped for a carbon shaft, bevel drive and nylon hypoid gears enclosed in right swing arm. Behind the pedal shafts, a small six speed cassette type remains hidden and comes operational if the battery becomes flat any time. Both pedals are lockable at 180 degrees and can be used as foot pegs

Designer : Jean François Vicente

Arctic Marine Fauna : A Tunnel That Connects The Short Stretch of Arctic Ocean Between Russia and The United States

TheFuture — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:14:01 +0000

The Arctic Marine Fauna is not just a commercial construction like a railway link or a bridge bonding one continent to another, this proposal entails more audacious, active and sensitive issues considering the amplitude, geopolitical context and the global ecological conscience.

Because of the relatively shallow water levels of the Straits, the proposed structure can descend to the base of the ocean with just a few meters floating over the water level. Compression is the main working principal of this structure that features two parallel walls cut through the adjoining water bodies, held apart with bracing, which is habitable at times. Each wall is 10 meters wide and respectfully provides vehicle and train infrastructures at its apex. The trait is used only to give simplicity to this massive structure that features a direct line to connect the two sides.

The wide interstitial space spans 50 meters which was created by this vast separation and becomes an interface for human haulage, providing inhabitants and visitors the opportunity to navigate the Strait by walking. The visitors will enjoy constant views of underwater landscape walking across the tubes, submerged below 50 meters of water level. Moreover, the separation of the Pacific from the Arctic can improve temperature isolation, by gradually reducing the water temperature in the Arctic, which would be a great environmental benefit.

Designer : OFF Architecture via Bustler

Azimut Concept Yacht with Timeless and Simple Design

TheFuture — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:17:04 +0000

The Azimut concept yacht is a 22.05 meter long (including the pulpit) luxury boat that has been designed in a simple and innovative way that can fit any harbor. It’s clean, new, timeless and simple design allows it silent operation. The main inspiration behind the project was to offer the passengers their own prospect to choose and making the decision as simple as possible. The big wings at the back is helping decrease and insulate the huge amount of water and wind drag which has made the yacht different from any other around. Passengers of the yacht, especially those who will seat back-part of it, will remain dry at any speed with the help of these functional wings.

Passengers will have great view over the big window located at the front of the boat, stretching to the roof from the floor. The on top LED light integrated lantern will make it easy to dock the boat at night. Upper deck is surrounded by glass to provide easy controlling the boat without disturbing pillars. This gives a much better view as well while giving a more open feeling. Outside the deck, there are security rails as a part of the hull structure that elongates backwards with the wings. A thin glass is designed to rise from the hull at the front to attach the wings at the back, making the boat simple and clean.

The interior of the lower deck is separated in two different parts, one is a private section and another one is an open lounge area, allowing the passengers to rest for a while or participate in social activities as they want. The master bedroom is located in the center which is the best place to be maximum comfortable because of the stability during any directional movements of the yacht. This concept won the award from azimut, and was shown at Piazza San Carlo in Turin ITALY in a big Azimut Event.

Specs:
LENGHT OVERALL(incl.pulpit) 22.05m
HYLL LENGHT(incl.platform) 21.73m
BEAM AT MAIN SECTION 5.12m
DRAFTS(incl.props. at full load) 1.79m
DISPLACEMENT(at full load) 33.2t
ENGINES 2×1410mHP (1036kw) MAN 12V CRM
MAXIMUM SPEED(at half load) 39 knots
CRUISING SPEED( at half load) 32 knots
FUEL CAPACITY 3.300L
WATER CAPACITY 980L
CABINS 3+1 CREW
BERTHS 6+1 CREW
BUILDING MATERIAL CARBON FIBER/VTR/GPR
KEEL V-shape with angle of deadrise 15,4 degrees aft.

Designer : Anders Gloslie

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with 8.1 Megapixel Camera is Lighter Than X1

TheFuture — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:18:05 +0000

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with its 3.2” touchscreen has been officially unveiled after its sleek-looking predecessor X1. If you consider dimensions, the latest X2 is close to its previous version; however, it’s lighter than the X1. The X2 features a redesigned keypad just like that of a netbook and reveals by sliding out the upper portion. The 8.1 megapixel camera is one of the major upgrades of X2. The custom panel interfaces have been enriched with fourteen preloaded and sixteen more downloadable ones. Besides, it is the debut of Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system as default on a Sony Ericsson handset.

[Press Release]

Live life in the fast lane with the XPERIA™ X2 from Sony Ericsson. Designed for those who always need to be connected, whether it’s for business or personal life, the XPERIA™ X2 blurs the boundary between work and play.

London, UK – September 2, 2009 – Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2 a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp. “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.
XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

Live life without boundaries

* Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
* Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet
* Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®
* Slide view – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
* Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
* Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
* Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
* 8.1 mega pixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
* Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100. XPERIA™ X2 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

Designer : Sony Ericsson