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

Nicolas explanations:
Utilizing a new energy model, the vehicle uses the electricity to stimulate a central water tank, splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen gets stored in special reserve tanks, while the oxygen gets expelled into the air as exhaust. With this model, the vehicle functions like a plant, only needing the sun and water to create its own fuel. The sleek, mono-volume design allows for optimal interior space and utility. Special design features also include layered body panels, unique headlight/side mirror units, and offset seating to allow elbow room for all occupants.

Since the principle material used to construct the exterior functions by re-directing light to the edges, I wanted to accentuate this feature in the design. To do so, I designed the roof panel to act like a canopy, suspended over the roof pillars mimicking a shade or visor. The rear lights themselves are packed into the edge of the “glass sleeve” composing the exterior, to seem as if the brake lights are being emitted from the glass edges.

Using this technology, there were key issues that had to be solved in the revision stage. While the solar panels use highly saturated dyes, this color cannot be used on the entire exterior because it would disorient the driver. To solve this, I broke up the material into three different shades (clear/smoked/colored) and strategically placed them around the vehicle in order to maximize driver visibility

Technology aside, it was important that I attempt to break the stigma against small cars in North America. To do this, I used long lines that stretch across the form, visually elongating the vehicle and providing an athletic stance. In order to maximize the use of such a small package, I used a mono-volume approach to open-up the interior space as much as possible. Another important feature to small vehicles is character… so besides a traditional “happy face”, I designed the headlights and side mirrors to be integrated into one unit that extends out from the body like eyes.

Designer : Nicolas Stone

The entire weight of the shelter is approx. 10-15kg for ease of storage, delivery and relocation. The entire shelter is created with a biodegradable potato starch wireframe structure which automatically springs into shape from its flat compressed state. The top of the shelter is made of a highly reflective material for visibility in low light conditions from above with a more reflective painted “x” mark to assist rescue planes and helicopters to locate the lost and stranded people. The shelter is made of a double layer of Tyvek to increase its durability and insulation qualities for change in temperature.

The bottom floor of the shelter is reinforced with a environmentally friendly biodegradable water repellent coating which is protective 20cm above floor height. Included supplies are FIRST AID KIT-for tending to minor wounds and scrapes, BLANKET-used to keep warm in the evening when the temperature drops dramatically, TOWEL-to be used to keep dry, TEMPORARY SANDALS-used for those who have lost their footwear during the tsunami incident(made of biodegradable potato starch). The entire shelter can be easily re-compressed and rolled to a new location if the tides of the ocean begin to indicate another tsunami surge.

Designer : Industri Standard via IGreenSpot

The converging sleeper cab sits like a conventional driving cab, but allows for more visibility. The driving cab rotates to allow for a better sleeping position, and reveals a storage compartment for personal storage and a mini dresser. While the cab is in the sleep position the drive pedals are locked out under the cab, due to the rotation, for safety. The seats fold down and together to form a comfortable memory foam mattress.

The cab glass is also ionized and tints or blacks out according to the driver’s needs, the location of the tint will also modify to allow for view on top and not out the sides, or as the driver wishes. The aerodynamic streamline shape was inspired by locomotives and DTM race cars. The fenders sweep up to provide minimal drag, while the hood sleekly rounds to allow air to pass effortlessly, much like an airplane nose. The cab forms a tear drop shape, and covers over the cab-trailer gap, eliminating drag between the cab and trailer. The cab is also bowed at the rear to accommodate the trailer during turns while reducing drag by covering over the sides.

Text from Peter :

Aerodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi. The hybrid truck utilizes its aerodynamics by eliminating the sleeper cab and rounding the body. Long haul truck drivers are the target market. The driving cab rotates to accommodate the driver for sleep and exposes a storage compartment for clothes and possessions. The wheelbase adjusts to provide optimum aerodynamics and ride comfort, while allowing parking to become an easier task. The rear portion of the cab is curved to form the radius of the trailer to allow for turns and additional aerodynamics. The top portion of the cab has an adjustable airfoil to allow air over the top of the trailer, thus reducing even more drag. In the cab the driver experiences a sense of openness and optimal vision, but when he or she needs privacy the Ionized windows will tint or even black out for sleep.

“I set out to create an efficient truck for the vast highway freight market. Even the smallest increase in efficiency creates a huge impact on the overall use of fuel. In the U.S. alone, millions of gallons of diesel are used every year on semi truck transit. Along with its environmental impact the truck must accommodate for its driver at rest and at work. The cab must give the feeling of home while at the same time provide a safe driving environment. Parking the truck without the trailer is also an issue to address. ” states Peter Azzouni.

Designer : Peter Azzouni

Garmin has always been as the most important name among the GPS manufacturers because they pioneered the technology. There are quite a number of systems manufactured by Garmin and the latest launch is known as one of the most efficient products available in the worldwide market of GPS gadgets. This is called GPSMAP 640. The product can perfectly fit in the requirements of any user. You can easily install it in your vehicle to achieve extremely convenient rides. The system is compact and portable. It can capture the signals easily to aid the driver and the navigation system is quite easy to handle. The universal remote control increases the efficiency of handling the system.The system is very much hardy and it is absolutely water-resistant. So there is no chance of the system getting damaged in case of water-logging or heavy shower. The 5.2 inches broad display acts as a touch screen navigation system that implies the WVGA technology. There are numerous maps featuring the streets, charts of destinations and location descriptions that allow the driver get an overall idea about the area to be explored. GPSMAP 640 is a complete and self-explanatory device that allows you to browse the various options with ease. The integrated GPS receiver is efficient enough to work in all locations.

If you wish to get more features and facilities then go for the GXM 40 antennas that are compatible with the system and area available separately with Garmin. This will include the visual display with the options to feature the weather reports and speed of the wind. If there is any chance of natural calamity you will be informed with the GPS system. Two of the other important features of this GPSMAP 640 system are network media player and online backup services that keeps this system working always.

The navigator offers an extensive collection of street maps and charts to help with navigation, and the unit features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that will work in many locations other similar solutions will not. Browsing through the unit’s menus is intuitive, and the GPSMAP 640 responds via tap or drag operations. An optional GXM 40 antenna is also available (sold separately) that provides a graphical display of XM WX Satellite Weather data, including NEXRAD, wind speeds, visibility, severe weather storm tracks, etc. The system is targeted for both United States and worldwide markets. The Garmin GPSMAP 640 will soon be available for $1,199.99.

From : Gadget Advisor

Text from the designer :
This concept presents a small 3-seater city car. It is powered by a sophisticated hybrid system, consisting of small 1,6 liter HDi engine and an electric motor. Unlike most small cars the engine is placed above the rear(driving) wheels, actually making it a mid-engine car. This improves weight distribution, gets rid of the complex, heavy mechanics for power transmission and makes the unique, aerodynamic body possible. The big windscreen, together with the center position of the driver contributes to perfect visibility and makes even short trips joyful experience.

Another innovation is the rims which consist of two parts- outer(10-spoke classic) part which is free to rotate and inner part with Peugeot neon logo, which is stationary and great to behold, especially at night. For safety considerations the tail-lights are designed in such a way that the harder you press the brakes the more LED light up to warn the driver behind. The car is inspired by Nature and designed to work in harmony with It. It proves that small and practical cars can be stylish as well.

Designer : Ognyan Bozhilov

From the website:
Introducing a new dimension to sport flying.

A new, light sport aircraft manufacturer, ICON Aircraft, started with the vision that planes should be designed with the consumer in mind first. Founded out of Stanford Graduate School of Business by Kirk Hawkins, an accomplished engineer and former U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot, ICON Aircraft conducted years of thorough research to develop an industrial design that has evolved to become ICON’s first model, the ICON A5.

A long-time powersports enthusiast, Hawkins’ dream for the potential of sport flying became possible when he first heard of the FAA’s rule changes for light sport aircraft in 2004. As he witnessed what the Yamaha Waverunner did for personal watercraft in 1980’s, Hawkins believed a consumer-oriented sport plane could do the same for recreational flying.

Early on, Hawkins began assembling investors and world-class design and engineering talent to bring the vision to reality. ICON Aircraft eventually set up its headquarters and development facility in Southern California, a region known for having the world’s largest concentration of aerospace resources as well as the world’s leading automobile design and development resources.

Advising along the way have been top academic professionals, business leaders in aviation and powersports, and directors of award-winning product design firms like IDEO and BMW DesignWorks USA.

Leading the charge to bring the design into production is an engineering and fabrication team that previously worked on such notable projects as the Virgin Global Flyer and X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne, among many other significant aircraft and aerospace projects at Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites in nearby Mojave, Calif.

Specs and features:
ICON A5 — Amphibian Special-Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA)
*BASE PRICE (A5 Amphibian): $139,000 USD

SPECIFICATIONS

- Seats: 2
- Maximum Weight: 1430 lbs
- Useful Load: 430 lbs (minimum)
- Baggage: 60 lbs (maximum)
- Fuel (Auto Gas or Av Gas): 20 gal
- Maximum Speed (Vh): 105 kts (120 mph)
- Range: 300 nm
- Takeoff & Landing Distance: 750 ft
- Engine (Rotax 912 ULS): 100 hp

Performance specifications are estimates only.
Final performance specifications will be verified during flight-testing.

DIMENSIONS

- Interior Cockpit Width: 46 in
- Wing Span: 34 ft
- Aircraft Length: 22 ft
- Trailered Width: 8.5 ft
- Trailered Length: 28 ft

DESIGN FEATURES

- Folding wings (manual or automatic)
- Retractable Landing Gear (on ICON A5 Amphibian)
- Seawings, platforms for easy access and docking
- Custom aircraft towing trailer (optional)
- Headlights and flood lights

PERFORMANCE FEATURES

- High-performance composite airframe
- Amphibious design (flies off land or water)
- Custom, patent-pending, high-performance airfoil
- Rear mounted, 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS Engine
- Runs on auto gasoline or aviation gasoline

COCKPIT FEATURES

- Intuitive, sportscar-like cockpit
- Comfortable, side-by-side seating
- GPS moving map
- iPod in-flight music port
- High-visibility canopy
- Flight with removable side windows
- Multiple storage compartments
- Glass cockpit for night VFR (optional)

SAFETY FEATURES

- Predictable, docile flying characteristics
- Complete Airplane Parachute, CAP (optional)
- Patent-pending PropellerGuardâ„¢
- Wing Angle of Attack Indicator (AoA)
Seaplane only version, the ICON S5, is an available model, and will not include the Retractable Landing Gear. Options and price will vary on the ICON S5.

Designer : ICON

I think iWant one !

Designer : Nuno Teixeira

Designer : Josh Hopersberger