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Transport Efficient for 2020 : Combination of City Loader and AirLines

TheFuture — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:00:13 +0000

Transport Efficient 2020 is a concept vehicle that offers two different modes for driving as per requirement. First one is City Loader, a stylish and compact vehicle that can be employed for short distance city use to effectively drive through busy traffic. This vehicle is powered by electric engines and gear hub drive and the energy is stored in metal air hybrid batteries that can charge via plug and ride. On the other hand, the AirLiner mode offers long distance transportation and comprises several superconductive magnets that produce frictionless levitation to allow the vehicle hover above the street. An embedded rail in the street produces an electromagnetic field for this operation.

Text from designer :

Airliner

This long distance transport vehicle is actuated by superconductive magnets. Superconductors produce frictionless levitation avoiding any mechanic resistance. The vehicle hover above the street. The superconductor is cooled down by electric condensers so the particles of the material nearly stop moving. A rail embedded in the street creates a magnetic field which will be written in the superconductors, positioned at a set distance from the magnetic rail. No mechanic fixation between rail an vehicle will be required. The electromagnetic field generated by the rail also speed up the vehicle. The magnetic field is only generated under the moving vehicle and wont be of any danger for other moving vehicles crossing the rail.

The airliner consists of a drivers cab and several modules which float autonomously, so the shipping volume is expandable. If no cargo is carried the drivers cab ally with the closing module to reduce the volume. At a logistic centre close by a freeway and a city, the cargo gets unload, stored and upload to the cityloader.

Cityloader

This compact transport vehicle is designed for distances up to 400 km and the city traffic. It is powered by electric engines and wheel hubs which can be recharged via plug`n`ride concept at the logistic centre or city stations. A modifiable loading space allows a wide spectrum of use.

Designer : Tobias Förtsch

Alternative Clothes Cleaner : Washing Machine Which Allow You to Sit On It

TheFuture — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:21:59 +0000

How about the future homes having a dedicated room just for washers and dryers? Designed by Harsha Vardhan from New Delhi, India, this Alternative Clothes Cleaner is a conceptual washing machine which doubles up as a large seat. It has two modes of operation, active and passive, though both allow you to sit atop the unit. No detergent or water is required, as either — the inner chamber acts as a pressure washer and also cleans the clothes with ionized air which means no drying, too. So one unique way to conserve water when the same would be in less quantity.

Designer : Harsha Vardhan via Dvice

Pi Electric Bicycle with Semi-Automatic 8-Speed Transmission

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:32 +0000

The Pi electric bicycle uses a semi-automatic 8-speed transmission to downshift into a lower gear for climbing hills, then up shift for rapid acceleration to a maximum of 20 mph on flats and allows you to pedal normally because the motor automatically disengages when not in use. Powered by a 750-watt electric motor housed in the horizontal chain and motor assembly, the Pi electric bicycle is capable of three modes of operation: electric motor power, human power, or the human-electric hybrid power combination. The electric motor and rider utilize the same 8 speed semi-automatic transmission making rapid acceleration from a stop or lower gears available for steep inclines possible (but with slower acceleration.

The motor automatically disengages from the pedals when desired so as to preserve battery life. Construction begins with a 12’ foot straight piece of 3⁄8-gauge, aircraft aluminum 6061 alloy that is roll-formed and annealed for uniform wall thickness into a complete 6′ diameter circular tube with a 4″ exterior diameter (the NiMH batteries reside within the tube from the front fork to the seat), which is then bisected to make a 6′ long arc for the bicycle’s frame. The sturdy frame supports riders up to 300 lbs.

The top of the arc provides a 26″ stand over height, allowing you to place both feet on the ground. The padded ergonomic gel seat provides for comfortable, relaxed riding. It attaches to the frame via a gas strut assembly that raises and lowers like a pneumatic office chair, accommodating riders between 5-7′ tall in a semi-recumbent position for ideal pedaling or powered coasting. A dynamo in the front wheel’s hub provides power for auxiliary lighting.

The bicycle has a range of up to 30 miles at 20 mph before requiring a five-hour re-charge from its AC adapter. Precisely tuned hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stops, and the wheels are made of dual-walled aluminum alloy and stainless-steel spokes; the 26″ semi-slick tires are ideal for roads or paved trails and use Presta valves. The bicycle is wet-painted in Rossa Corsa red using the same PPG color specification as high performance sports cars and treated with a clear coat finish for a luster that will last.

Designer : Marcu Hayes