IdeaConnection Innovation
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Posts in January 2010
A Team of Innovation
Jan-28-10 By KristeenRead fascinating interviews with IdeaConnection problem solvers and discover first hand how problems solvers from around the world have come together to solve innovative challenges.
A Starck Invention
Jan-28-10 By KristeenWorld renowned designer Philippe Starck has just revealed two wind turbine designs for domestic use by homeowners. Ordinary individuals can put them in their yards, gardens or on roofs to generate power for their households. The "Revolutionair" 400W WT model will output 400W and the helicoidal 1KW WT will produce 1KW of power. The sleek turbines were officially debuted after a lengthy two years of research and work. The helix shaped designer turbines will be produced by Italy’s Pramac and will sell for around 2,500 euros and 3,500 euros.
Color Picker Pen
Jan-27-10 By KristeenColor Picker is an innovative concept design of a pen that scans colors and instantly uses the color for drawing. Simply point the pen at an object to scan its color, then use the ink end to write with the color you just scanned. The color is detected by the color sensor and the RGB cartridge of the pen mixes the required inks to create the target color. With color picker, the possibilities are endless.
Emcycle – The Future of Commuting
Jan-26-10 By KristeenThe Emcycle hybrid is a mode of transportation that allows you to cocoon yourself and pedal to your destination, or enlist the help of electrical assistance to get you there. Neither car, nor motorbike, nor bicycle, but a blend of all three. A bicycle at heart, with the stability of a tricycle, electrically powered assistance, and a stylish body, the Emcycle offers new measures for safety and visibility. With three drive options and a top speed of 40mph, the Emcycle is an innovative idea for the local commuter.
Beach Bum Bins
Jan-21-10 By KristeenKorean designers, Ji-in Byun, Cho Jung Seok & Oh Seul Ki, designed portable and innovative trash bins to curb waste issues on the beach as every hour, 700 tonnes of waste are thrown into the sea. Stationary bins are placed few and far between, but Dustbin 4 Beach is a streamlined bin that can be pitched into the sand and is portable. The tapered base digs deep into the sand for stability. A cut-out niche at the base allows the user to stamp the bin down with the foot, and a cut-out handle at the top facilitates easy removal and shifting. Very cool.
£1 Million Big Green Challenge
Jan-20-10 By KristeenIn 2007, NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and Arts), sent out an open innovation challenge to the entire UK to reduce carbon emissions. A £1 million ($1.6 million USD) prize fund was set up which spurred community groups into action to tackle the problems of climate change.
K2 Eco Pop – A Snowboard Made for Women, By Women
Jan-19-10 By KristeenMost women's snowboards are simply men's boards made in smaller versions. Recently, with the help and inspiration of pro rider Gretchen Bleiler, K2 designed an all terrain snowboard specifically for women. The 'hybrilight' construction is eco-friendly and ultra light. The board is designed on the new K2 flatline rocker, which is neither rockered nor cambered, just flat from tip to tip. The Eco Pop performs best in the park, as the flatline technology makes spins and landing jumps practically a second thought, and the board's pop and flex can't be beat.
Innovative Air Umbrella
Jan-15-10 By KristeenOne of the most unconventional designs to hit the market comes in the form of air, yes an air umbrella offers protection from rain by shooting a steady sheet of air to create an invisible canopy. Designed and engineered by Je Sung Park and Woo Jung Kwon, the air umbrella works by sucking air through the bottom intake and blowing it out the upper outlet to form an air curtain. The size of the air umbrella air curtain can be adjusted to accompany multiple users at once. Amazing!
$1 Million NASA Challenge
Jan-14-10 By KristeenNASA's open innovation Lunar Lander Challenge required inventors to create, build, and fly a rocket powered vehicle to simulate the flight of a spacecraft on the moon. The lander had to take off vertically, fly horizontally, and then land accurately on a designated pad, all within a two hour time frame. NASA had the monumental task of developing a reusable lunar craft and sought outside help to tap into the brains of so-called 'citizen inventors.' Masten Space Systems, an aerospace startup company from California, won the challenge with its Xoie Reusable Rocket and took home the $1 million prize.
World’s Biggest 3D TV
Jan-13-10 By KristeenPanasonic just unleashed the world’s largest full-HD 3D plasma display TV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 152 inch, 8.84 million pixel screen is part of Panasonic's Plasma Display Panel line, utilizing a new process called super-efficient quadruple luminance efficiency technology. This 4K2K high tech panel can achieve the same brightness as a conventional full-HD panel in about one-quarter the amount of time, allowing it to keep up with rapidly-moving 3D imagery.