星期三, 六月 10, 2009
“Floating Garden” by Benjamin Graindorge
The fish tank is a microcosm that reflects human concerns: within the finite space of its architecture the main issue that conditions the well-being of its inhabitants is waste management.
“Floating Garden” by Benjamin Graindorge and Duende Studio brings an innovative solution to the daily maintenance constraints of freshwater aquariums with a filtering system that is 100% natural: a cushion of sand + plants that adapts to each and every model. Its recycling principle based on hydroponics does away with the chore of regular water changes and proposes a new domestic- scale typology, between the decorative glass vase and the water purifying plant.
Michel Bussien’s Growing Chair is Deep-Seated in Nature
More ironic than practical, Swiss designer Michel Bussien’s Growing Chair evokes pertinent ideas for the 21st century: nature trapped within the confines of man, manicured at his whim, or a specimen preserved behind glass - like fossils in a museum. On the other hand, when I look at the Growing Chair, I see the proliferation of life despite artificial boundaries. But, perhaps it’s something much simpler than that - a lush little greenhouse with a seat to enjoy it?
The chair resides on a rolling planter with willow trees growing from each leg. Russian vine wraps around the willow branches for a full greenery effect. As Bussien elaborates in his Nature Manifesto, the chair represents a reconvergence of man and nature. Bussien calls for a movement forward, in which we use the complexity of nature in our creations, allowing us to reconnect with that from which we evolved. A thought provoking idea indeed, though we’re not sure the Growing Chair will be taking root anytime soon at your nearest DWR.
植物很柔韧
我们也许不用破坏它 扼杀它 只要指引它 它就可以造福人类
真是一个太妙的概念
最小程度的破坏
最大程度的了解其天然属性
可能是更妙 更温柔可爱的成果
Leffot Store by Front Studio
Front Studio projected the renovation of this corner retail space in New York for the luxury men’s shoe store, Leffot, that began with an unusual idea for displaying shoes: a dining table.
In the center of the space sits a hand crafted ash dining table. Hanging above the table is a chandelier delicately constructed as an organic metal bramble of branches.
A glossy ebony branch wallpaper pattern rises out of classic black painted wainscot panels. Various shades of inky blacks provide a dramatic backdrop to the modern white slip-covered furniture.
The playful dialogue between modern and traditional effectively creates a bold yet serene backdrop for the main star: the shoes.
星期四, 五月 21, 2009
星期六, 五月 16, 2009
茶袋棺材
Jonas Trampedach为他的新设计取了个极其诙谐的名字：茶袋棺材。顾名思义，茶袋棺材专门用来放置来不及清理掉的茶袋
何欣欣说：
这个设计很聪明 很简单
整个concept都很妙
但就这个产品本身而言
用户不会希望在这个小细节上增加成本
但是利用在快餐餐具中会很好
吃完快餐的一次性餐具如果能很好的包容住食物残渣 并可compact 或 combine成为一体
而省去另外再找垃圾袋去收拾它们 想必是一件大家都喜爱的方式 环保又简单
小灵感：汉堡 可乐 薯条套餐的三个容器以及吸管餐纸等 在吃完后可以全部装在其中的任意一件中并且容纳食物残渣 成为一个不再庞大杂乱的垃圾压缩包 无论丢进办公桌边的小纸篓（节省空间） 还是带出去丢到家门外的垃圾车（方便带出去） 都方便不少 干净不少 还省了垃圾袋。
星期五, 五月 15, 2009
CLIX Wheel Release System
CLIX Wheel Release System
http://clixqr.com/
http://www.clixqr.com/clixvid.html
http://clixqr.com/
http://www.clixqr.com/clixvid.html
crankset(bicycle)
Cranks
The two cranks, one on each side and usually mounted 180° out of phase, connect the bottom bracket axle to the pedals.
Sizes
Bicycle cranks can vary in length to accommodate different sized riders. Major manufacturers typically offer crank lengths for adult riders from 165 mm to 180 mm long in 2.5 mm increments, with 170 mm cranks being the most common size. A few small specialty manufacturers also make bicycle cranks in a number of sizes smaller than 165 mm and longer than 180 mm. While logic would suggest that riders with shorter legs should use proportionally shorter cranks and those with longer legs should use proportionally longer cranks, this is not universally accepted. Very few scientific studies have examined the effect of crank length on sustained cycling performance and the studies' results have been mixed. A detailed exploration of the logical basis of proportional bicycle crank length can be found on the web here. Several formulas exist to calculate appropriate crank length for various riders, one from the most often cited crank length website can be found here. However, the exact length an individual cyclist feels most comfortable with may vary depending on the rider's cycling specialty. Bicycle riders typically prefer shorter cranks for higher cadence cycling such as criterium and track racing, while riders typically prefer longer cranks for lower cadence cycling such as time trial racing and mountain biking.
Materials
Cranks are constructed of either an aluminum alloy, titanium, carbon fiber, chromoly steel, or some less expensive steel. Tubular steel cranks (such as Tioga's Revolver) can be light and very strong, are usually found on bmx bikes, and are slowly finding their way to mountain bikes (Dirt jumping and Urban assault) . Aluminum cranks may be cast, hot forged or cold forged ("cold" in this context means the billet from which the crank is to be made is heated to a specified temperature well below the melting point, not room temperature). Cold forging gives the metal additional strength, and the cranks can therefore be made lighter without increasing the risk of breakage. Shimano "Hollowtech" aluminum cranks are made by forging the main arms around a hard steel insert which is then withdrawn, leaving an internal void to save weight. They are then welded up before final machining.
Attachments
There are a variety of methods used to attach the crank to the bottom bracket axle or spindle.
* Older crank use a wedge-shaped pin, called a cotter pin, for attachment to the bottom bracket spindle.
* Newer cranks slide onto
o a square tapered spindle. The taper is 2 degrees with respect to the centerline.[5] There are at least two non-interchangeable dimensions (Shimano and Campagnolo have competing standards in square taper, though most parts made by other manufacturers are to the Shimano standard), and two orientations: diamond and square.
o a hexagonal tapered spindle (Tune components cranks are an example)
o splined bottom bracket spindle with two prominent specifications, and numerous uncommon ones. The ISIS spline may be the most common splined standard as it was decided on and supported by several companies. Shimano's Octalink is a common proprietary standard. It comes in two forms - version one for XTR, 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace and version two for every other groupset such as XT, LX and Deore. Truvative and DMR also have their own proprietary spline interface standards.
The crankarms are pressed into place and prevented from squirming off via fretting by a bolt or nut installed into or onto the axle of the bottom bracket.[6] The head of the bolt or the nut sit inside a counterbore that is also threaded to accept a crank puller tool. The counterbore is often covered with a dust cover.
* Even newer designs have the bottom bracket axle, usually hollow and larger diameter than is possible for BB's with bearings held inside the BB shell of a bike frame, for reduced weight and increased stiffness, permanently attached to the right crank ([Shimano] and others) or the left crank (Race Face). The left crank slides onto a spline and is tightened with one or more pinch bolts (Shimano) or is pressed onto a spline by a bolt on the BB axle axis (Race Face).
* Some cranks have a many as 48 splines, such as Profile Design.
* The latest from Campagnolo, called Ultra-TorqueTM, has each crank permanently attached to one half of the axle (called semi-axles) which then join in the middle of the bottom bracket with a Hirth joint and a bolt.[7]
* Certain companies such as Cannondale (BB30 open standard, introduced in 2000) have made their own completely proprietary BB standards requiring changes in the BB shell of the bicycle frame in order to accommodate the bottom bracket/crank design. The open BB30 standard is gaining popularity on high end bicycle and component manufacturers (Zipp, Specialized, FSA).
* Finally, many children's bikes and older, or less-expensive bikes have one-piece cranks where the two cranks and bottom bracket spindle are forged as one piece of steel (see photograph above).
To the pedals
Fracture of an aluminium crank. Bright: brittle fracture. Dark: fatigue fracture.
Crank arms have a threaded hole (or "eye") at their outboard end to accommodate the pedal spindle. Adult or multi-piece cranks have a 9/16 inch hole with 20 TPI (a combination that appears to be unique to this application). One-piece or children's cranks use a 1/2 inch hole. Some crank on children's bikes have more than one pedal hole so that the pedal can be moved to accommodate growth.
The right-side (usually the chain side) hole is right-hand threaded, and the left-side hole is left-hand (reverse) threaded to help prevent it from becoming unthreaded by an effect called precession.
Pedal spindles are hard steel, and gradually fret and erode the crankarm where the two meet. This can eventually be a cause of crank breakage, which commonly occurs at the pedal eye. Some manufacturers advise the use of a thin steel washer between the pedal and crank, but this is ineffective because the hard washer frets against the crank instead. A solution, suggested by Jobst Brandt, is to use a 45 degree taper at the surface where crank and pedal meet, as this would eliminate precession-induced fretting and loosening (it is already done for most automobile lug nuts for the latter reason). However, this would require manufacturers to change a well-established standard which currently allows most pedals to be fitted to most cranks.
Spider
On older styles, the spider—the multi-armed piece that connects the chainring to the bottom bracket axle—was a separate piece from the crank arm. The most common modern cranks have an integrated spider on the drive-side crank arm. However, Middleburn, TA, and Surly currently produce cranks with separate detachable spiders, enabling a wide variety of chainring patterns to be used with the same cranks.
Spiders usually have 4 or 5 arms, although some models have had as few as 3 and many as 10 arms with 6 having been popular in the past.[8]
Bolt circle diameter (BCD)
Many modern bicycles have removable chainrings, to allow for replacement when worn, or to change the gear ratio provided (although the change is limited).
The holes on the spider arms used for attaching a chainring can have a variety of dimensions, referred to as the bolt circle diameter, commonly abbreviated as BCD. This measurement is sometimes referred to as pitch-circle diameter (PCD). Cranks designed to mount one or two chainrings will almost always use a single bolt circle diameter. Cranks designed to mount three chainrings will almost always use two different bolt circle diameters; the larger to mount the two outer rings and the smaller to mount the inner ring. Most modern two-chainring cranks use either a 110mm or 130mm bolt circle diameter.
Bolt circle diameters of common "named" cranks:
Track
144 BCD (Gebhardt)
Road double
130 BCD (Shimano, Gebhardt and others), or 135 (Campagnolo)
Road triple
130/74 BCD (Shimano and others), or 135/74 BCD (Campagnolo)
Compact/touring double
110 BCD or (Campagnolo carbon 4x110/1x113 BCD, Gebhardt)
Compact/touring triple
110/74 BCD
Mountain bike (4 arm)
104/64 BCD (Gebhardt)
Mountain bike (5 arm standard)
110/74 BCD
Mountain bike (5 arm compact)
94/58 BCD
For an extensive list of bolt circle diameters and their applications, see Sheldon Brown's Bolt Circle Diameter Crib Sheet.
Chainrings
A Shimano chainring, detached from right crank
Chainrings (also called "chainwheels" or "sprockets", although sprocket is used this way mostly in the BMX community[3]) engage the chain to transfer power to the (usually rear) wheel. They usually have teeth spaced to engage every link of the chain as it passes over; however, in the past, some designs (called skip-tooth or inch-pitch) have had one tooth for every other link of the chain.[9]
Sizes
By convention, the largest chainring is outboard and the smallest is inboard. Chainrings vary in size from as few as 20 teeth to as many as 55 or potentially more.
Chainrings also come in several nominal widths:
* 3/16" for old-time bikes (especially skip-tooth or inch-pitch), heavy duty BMX, Worksman, and exercise bikes
* 1/8" for track, BMX, cruiser bikes, one-speed, three-speeds, and the rare derailleur bike.
* 3/32" for road, hybrid, mtb bikes, single-speed and 5-, 6-, 7-speed freewheels.
* 5/64" for any bike with 9- or 10-speed cassettes
Materials
Chainrings are constructed of either an aluminum alloy, titanium, steel, or carbon fiber.
Construction
Cheaper cranksets may have the chainrings welded or riveted directly to the crank arm or spider. More expensive sets have the chainrings bolted on so that they can be replaced if worn or damaged or to provide different gearing.
Replacement chainrings must be chosen with a bolt-hole count and spacing that matches the spider.
Chainrings designed for use with multi-chainring crank arms may have ramps or pins to aid in shifting. The middle chain ring, in the case of a triple crankset, usually has the most shaping to aid in shifting up and down. The smallest chainring usually has the least, if any shaping.
The two cranks, one on each side and usually mounted 180° out of phase, connect the bottom bracket axle to the pedals.
Sizes
Bicycle cranks can vary in length to accommodate different sized riders. Major manufacturers typically offer crank lengths for adult riders from 165 mm to 180 mm long in 2.5 mm increments, with 170 mm cranks being the most common size. A few small specialty manufacturers also make bicycle cranks in a number of sizes smaller than 165 mm and longer than 180 mm. While logic would suggest that riders with shorter legs should use proportionally shorter cranks and those with longer legs should use proportionally longer cranks, this is not universally accepted. Very few scientific studies have examined the effect of crank length on sustained cycling performance and the studies' results have been mixed. A detailed exploration of the logical basis of proportional bicycle crank length can be found on the web here. Several formulas exist to calculate appropriate crank length for various riders, one from the most often cited crank length website can be found here. However, the exact length an individual cyclist feels most comfortable with may vary depending on the rider's cycling specialty. Bicycle riders typically prefer shorter cranks for higher cadence cycling such as criterium and track racing, while riders typically prefer longer cranks for lower cadence cycling such as time trial racing and mountain biking.
Materials
Cranks are constructed of either an aluminum alloy, titanium, carbon fiber, chromoly steel, or some less expensive steel. Tubular steel cranks (such as Tioga's Revolver) can be light and very strong, are usually found on bmx bikes, and are slowly finding their way to mountain bikes (Dirt jumping and Urban assault) . Aluminum cranks may be cast, hot forged or cold forged ("cold" in this context means the billet from which the crank is to be made is heated to a specified temperature well below the melting point, not room temperature). Cold forging gives the metal additional strength, and the cranks can therefore be made lighter without increasing the risk of breakage. Shimano "Hollowtech" aluminum cranks are made by forging the main arms around a hard steel insert which is then withdrawn, leaving an internal void to save weight. They are then welded up before final machining.
Attachments
There are a variety of methods used to attach the crank to the bottom bracket axle or spindle.
* Older crank use a wedge-shaped pin, called a cotter pin, for attachment to the bottom bracket spindle.
* Newer cranks slide onto
o a square tapered spindle. The taper is 2 degrees with respect to the centerline.[5] There are at least two non-interchangeable dimensions (Shimano and Campagnolo have competing standards in square taper, though most parts made by other manufacturers are to the Shimano standard), and two orientations: diamond and square.
o a hexagonal tapered spindle (Tune components cranks are an example)
o splined bottom bracket spindle with two prominent specifications, and numerous uncommon ones. The ISIS spline may be the most common splined standard as it was decided on and supported by several companies. Shimano's Octalink is a common proprietary standard. It comes in two forms - version one for XTR, 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace and version two for every other groupset such as XT, LX and Deore. Truvative and DMR also have their own proprietary spline interface standards.
The crankarms are pressed into place and prevented from squirming off via fretting by a bolt or nut installed into or onto the axle of the bottom bracket.[6] The head of the bolt or the nut sit inside a counterbore that is also threaded to accept a crank puller tool. The counterbore is often covered with a dust cover.
* Even newer designs have the bottom bracket axle, usually hollow and larger diameter than is possible for BB's with bearings held inside the BB shell of a bike frame, for reduced weight and increased stiffness, permanently attached to the right crank ([Shimano] and others) or the left crank (Race Face). The left crank slides onto a spline and is tightened with one or more pinch bolts (Shimano) or is pressed onto a spline by a bolt on the BB axle axis (Race Face).
* Some cranks have a many as 48 splines, such as Profile Design.
* The latest from Campagnolo, called Ultra-TorqueTM, has each crank permanently attached to one half of the axle (called semi-axles) which then join in the middle of the bottom bracket with a Hirth joint and a bolt.[7]
* Certain companies such as Cannondale (BB30 open standard, introduced in 2000) have made their own completely proprietary BB standards requiring changes in the BB shell of the bicycle frame in order to accommodate the bottom bracket/crank design. The open BB30 standard is gaining popularity on high end bicycle and component manufacturers (Zipp, Specialized, FSA).
* Finally, many children's bikes and older, or less-expensive bikes have one-piece cranks where the two cranks and bottom bracket spindle are forged as one piece of steel (see photograph above).
To the pedals
Fracture of an aluminium crank. Bright: brittle fracture. Dark: fatigue fracture.
Crank arms have a threaded hole (or "eye") at their outboard end to accommodate the pedal spindle. Adult or multi-piece cranks have a 9/16 inch hole with 20 TPI (a combination that appears to be unique to this application). One-piece or children's cranks use a 1/2 inch hole. Some crank on children's bikes have more than one pedal hole so that the pedal can be moved to accommodate growth.
The right-side (usually the chain side) hole is right-hand threaded, and the left-side hole is left-hand (reverse) threaded to help prevent it from becoming unthreaded by an effect called precession.
Pedal spindles are hard steel, and gradually fret and erode the crankarm where the two meet. This can eventually be a cause of crank breakage, which commonly occurs at the pedal eye. Some manufacturers advise the use of a thin steel washer between the pedal and crank, but this is ineffective because the hard washer frets against the crank instead. A solution, suggested by Jobst Brandt, is to use a 45 degree taper at the surface where crank and pedal meet, as this would eliminate precession-induced fretting and loosening (it is already done for most automobile lug nuts for the latter reason). However, this would require manufacturers to change a well-established standard which currently allows most pedals to be fitted to most cranks.
Spider
On older styles, the spider—the multi-armed piece that connects the chainring to the bottom bracket axle—was a separate piece from the crank arm. The most common modern cranks have an integrated spider on the drive-side crank arm. However, Middleburn, TA, and Surly currently produce cranks with separate detachable spiders, enabling a wide variety of chainring patterns to be used with the same cranks.
Spiders usually have 4 or 5 arms, although some models have had as few as 3 and many as 10 arms with 6 having been popular in the past.[8]
Bolt circle diameter (BCD)
Many modern bicycles have removable chainrings, to allow for replacement when worn, or to change the gear ratio provided (although the change is limited).
The holes on the spider arms used for attaching a chainring can have a variety of dimensions, referred to as the bolt circle diameter, commonly abbreviated as BCD. This measurement is sometimes referred to as pitch-circle diameter (PCD). Cranks designed to mount one or two chainrings will almost always use a single bolt circle diameter. Cranks designed to mount three chainrings will almost always use two different bolt circle diameters; the larger to mount the two outer rings and the smaller to mount the inner ring. Most modern two-chainring cranks use either a 110mm or 130mm bolt circle diameter.
Bolt circle diameters of common "named" cranks:
Track
144 BCD (Gebhardt)
Road double
130 BCD (Shimano, Gebhardt and others), or 135 (Campagnolo)
Road triple
130/74 BCD (Shimano and others), or 135/74 BCD (Campagnolo)
Compact/touring double
110 BCD or (Campagnolo carbon 4x110/1x113 BCD, Gebhardt)
Compact/touring triple
110/74 BCD
Mountain bike (4 arm)
104/64 BCD (Gebhardt)
Mountain bike (5 arm standard)
110/74 BCD
Mountain bike (5 arm compact)
94/58 BCD
For an extensive list of bolt circle diameters and their applications, see Sheldon Brown's Bolt Circle Diameter Crib Sheet.
Chainrings
A Shimano chainring, detached from right crank
Chainrings (also called "chainwheels" or "sprockets", although sprocket is used this way mostly in the BMX community[3]) engage the chain to transfer power to the (usually rear) wheel. They usually have teeth spaced to engage every link of the chain as it passes over; however, in the past, some designs (called skip-tooth or inch-pitch) have had one tooth for every other link of the chain.[9]
Sizes
By convention, the largest chainring is outboard and the smallest is inboard. Chainrings vary in size from as few as 20 teeth to as many as 55 or potentially more.
Chainrings also come in several nominal widths:
* 3/16" for old-time bikes (especially skip-tooth or inch-pitch), heavy duty BMX, Worksman, and exercise bikes
* 1/8" for track, BMX, cruiser bikes, one-speed, three-speeds, and the rare derailleur bike.
* 3/32" for road, hybrid, mtb bikes, single-speed and 5-, 6-, 7-speed freewheels.
* 5/64" for any bike with 9- or 10-speed cassettes
Materials
Chainrings are constructed of either an aluminum alloy, titanium, steel, or carbon fiber.
Construction
Cheaper cranksets may have the chainrings welded or riveted directly to the crank arm or spider. More expensive sets have the chainrings bolted on so that they can be replaced if worn or damaged or to provide different gearing.
Replacement chainrings must be chosen with a bolt-hole count and spacing that matches the spider.
Chainrings designed for use with multi-chainring crank arms may have ramps or pins to aid in shifting. The middle chain ring, in the case of a triple crankset, usually has the most shaping to aid in shifting up and down. The smallest chainring usually has the least, if any shaping.
星期六, 五月 09, 2009
Fingers居家储物系统
比利时设计工作室Arne Quinze创意的Fingers居家储物系统，貌似用一根根竹子搭建而成的架子，富有原生态气质，不规则、随意性的堆叠反而赋予其因地制宜的独特个性，延伸出无限可能。这款Fingers储物架同样将参加09米兰设计周的展示。
供人踩扁的垃圾桶
Cooka数字烹调套装
精巧野外炊具套装
这款名为Firo的野外炊具套装，其主体是个可直接放入火堆中的烤箱，烤箱里头设置有可拉动的横栏，上头置放数个盛食物的陶瓷小碗，每个陶瓷小碗都配备一个两端分别是勺子和叉子的提手。首先我们可以将食物装入小碗，然后把烤箱放在火堆中加热，加热到一定程度，取出小碗，再摘下小碗的提手作为餐具，一个井然有序的过程。
有了Firo，人们在荒郊野外同样能尽享美食，它的设计师是Andrea Nimtschke。
边摇边发电
边摇边发电?貌似有点暧昧的话语，只是俺这次确实没有夸大其辞，图中这款Novague摇椅，就是一个边摇边发电的玩意，确切地说是将动能转换为电能。设计师在摇椅后背上装了个小型蓄电池，蓄电池的一端则连接着读书灯，当人们坐在椅子上摇动时产生的电能，用来供应读书灯照明，这样一来既节省了外部电能消耗，同时也“寓乐无穷”。具体怎么做，自己想。
Nokia E97手机设计图
E97摒弃了目前N记手机惯用的方正造型，大量使用圆弧元素，并采用了类似N97的侧滑盖设计，但又稍有不同，E97是滑动硕大的屏幕而非滑动键 盘，从设计图来看，这给人一种头轻脚重的感觉，但是这样设计显然是有特别目的的，这个目的就是屏幕和本体分离：是的，E97的屏幕和本体是可以整个拆分开 的，分开后，屏幕可以单独成为一个相当轻薄的触摸屏手机。相当赞的设计是吧，唯一遗憾的是目前还不清楚这一功能的具体实现机制，以及拆分后的两部分是完全 独立了还是有无线的数据联系，不过爱稀奇猜测应该是类似轻薄笔记本惯用的处理方式那样，手机功能都集中在屏幕上，可以脱离本体运作，而一旦你需要使用更多 的扩展功能，比如说GPS之类，那么你就必须和本体连接才能使用。
当然，除此之外，E97还配备有500万像素摄像头和32GB内存，支持3G网、WiFi和GPS导航。
First Self Pulling Suitcase
The first of its kind, this is the self-propelled luggage that automatically provides power assistance when you encounter inclines or are straining to roll the luggage. Sensors in the handle monitor how much force you are using to pull the suitcase and signal to electric motors in the wheels to engage when you are struggling, propelling the suitcase up to 3 MPH. The power assistance initiates only when the suitcase is in motion, the handle is pulled out from the suitcase, and it is tilted between 15° and 35°. When you encounter declines, the motors disengage, allowing you to control the unit like traditional rolling luggage.
Organizing loops to contain the chaos inside your bags
Naolab's simple but brilliant NaoLoop aims to keep things organized when you're on-the-go. Prices for the stretchy strap run from 15 to 19 Euros, depending on which size you go with.
c美学概念咖啡桌
bedroom concept
强调简约风格，运用素色主打，虽然是常规物品，却从细节到色彩都充满了前所未见的视觉冲击，配搭上富含设计感的艺术家居所构建的新美学卧室家装设计。这一系列美仑美奂之景均有意大利家居设计公司DOC Mobili最新发布，而它们都将于09年4月在米兰家具博览会上崭露头角。
靠墙板凳
Joachim Jirou-Najou设计的靠墙板凳Portee，堪称节省空间的楷模。靠墙板凳Portee既能充当桌子凳子也能作为临时储物台，对应当今被严重压缩的个人生活空间，挂墙而立的家具反而更能激起共鸣，人们可以随心地思考、记录、回忆，大方实用、拒绝形式。
给我来根纸勺子
充气夜光沙发
忽然间没电了，房间里头陷入一片黑暗，往往这个时候人们会感觉很绝望，哪怕是一丝灯光都会感到满足，Mario Bellini设计的这款充气夜光沙发，让我们在黑暗中不再迷茫，它采用回收纤维制成的，遗憾的是它的发光原理，设计师本人并没有透露，除了事先充电外，也可能是某种发光物质，总的说来充气夜光沙发的出现，让我们的生活充满色彩，告别单调无助。
furniture design
设计灵感源自古非洲原始部落木雕的I-lari家具，采用模块化设计，用户可根据自己的需要和空间自由修改不同的座位模式，最大限度地利用有限空间。其独特的外观风格游走于古老与现代之间，舒适柔软让人印象深刻。
设计商：Domodinamica。
Corian: 40 Years - 40 Designers
DuPont, the manufacturer of Corian, has marked the composite material’s 40th birthday by commissioning 40 designers to create products using the material.
A travelling exhibition of the products was first shown in Milan in April and will next be shown at Tent London at the Old Truman Brewery this September, during the London Design Festival.
Top two images: Demons and Daisies by Katrin Olina Young; “A set of table place mats. This project gives attention to the graphic possibilities with Corian®. Here Corian® is used as a beautiful material support for graphics. The graphics feature two different elements often found in my expressive world: the darkness of Noc, the grinning ghost, and the dreaming of heavenly flowers.”
Above: Candelabra by Piers Mansfield-Scadden (Fly-Pitcher); “Inspired by the delicacy of paper lanterns and the intimacy of candlelight, this product combines the two in a piece of tableware exploring the translucency of Corian®. By slicing and cutting into the flat sheet with controlled insertions, beginning on the centre line, creating diamond patterns that progressively reduce in height as they move away from the horizon. Working out towards the top and bottom are equal diamond shapes stretching and opening up the shape from a flat sheet into a three-dimensional volume.”
Above: Le Vase by Christian Ghion; “Fanatic of microcellular worlds, this design refers to my passion for the organic universe, where empty spaces have the same importance as full spaces, where beauty is singular, and where the invisible is familiar to visible”
Above and below: Leaf by John Sebastian; “Inspired by a mono-material solution I wanted to define and elaborate the key attributes of Corian®. A close study pointed to three strong characteristics: strength, formability and lightness. These characteristics had to be expressed in the design, so that the object itself would best reflect the possibilities of Corian®. Using a new fabrication process in the making of this object was important, as it represents a new universe of possibilities with Corian®.
“I thought a permanent centrepiece for the table, a bowl or a tray, would be the right choice to exhibit the three distinctive characteristics. The result is iconic in nature: it stands out for its sculptural form and the beauty it adds to any table, like a jewel on a finger.” Size: 270 x 460 x 60 mm
Above and below: Mirror by Luca Casini; “A wide base in bright steel reflects the hemisphere in perforated Corian®, suspending it ideally from the horizontal surface in a magical, static balance. A traditional fruit bowl artistically reinterpreted according to a contemporary eye, showcasing new geometries and proportions and a particular use of Corian®.
“The sheet of Corian® (in Glacier White colour) has been thermoformed and then painted black (matte effect); decorative holes have then been made, obtaining a layering effect of the chromatic tones visible through the thickness of the cut material. The white is emphasized between two very thin layers in black. Finally, the bowl has been fixed to the metal base.”
Above: Table Hub by Werner Aisslinger; “Table Hub is a multiuse table container in Corian® for all life situations: a flowerpot on dinner tables, a place for bottles or bread sticks during a party, a penholder or container for various electric adapters of laptops, cell phones on a work desk or the place for keys or MP3 player in an entrance situation of a flat.
“The elevated square shape with rounded edges and 4 different integrated sub-containers give freedom of choice for personalised use. The container also has an optional compartment which can hide a variety of objects out of sight, such as cables, books, magazines or cutlery.
“The Table Hub adheres to a functional design tradition, but is also an artistic and sculptural object with a strong personality and identity. The shape is organic with a simplicity that guarantees a long product life. The black shiny surface in Corian® makes Table Hub a new product typology with a distinguished sophisticated design.” Size: about 550 x 550 mm, height 200 mm.
Above: Ark by Tanju Ozelgin; “This is a kind of bowl. The Ark bowls are based on double surfaces which can be used on both sides. The side lengths of the two surfaces are different from each other and are also very thin. It utilizes all the attributes of Corian®, and it is possible to have different colours for different faces.
“Being able to assemble the pieces makes it possible to respond to your real needs. For example, you can use only one of them to tidy up your office equipment like staples or pens on your desk, some of them to place your fruit, or a lot of them together in different combinations on your table in case of a feast. The number of configurations is almost infinite.”
Above: Note friendly by Monika Kobiakov; a set of desk accessories comprised of a pen holder, a pad holder, and a mug mat. The key feature that unites the three uncomplicated elements is their added colour wedges designed for the convenient display of notes.”
Above and below: Desert Core by Demet Bilici; “Desert Core desk pad meets the soft shades and shadows of the desert. To me, Corian® means prosperity, nobility, hygiene and a great variety of colours. Thus, when briefed to design a desk top functional item, I imagined a ‘manager’s room’, an area where all these aspects gather in great harmony.
“Desert Core lends deserved dignity to the manager’s office and plays a psychological role on the user, with its relaxing soft curves on the furthest end recalling the isolated, placid atmosphere of the desert. Manager desks deserve to be honoured by Desert Core.”
Above and below: Smoking, No Smoking by India Mahdavi; “The encounter between a very simple black and white geometric pattern and an organic shape. Corian®, as a material, allows the pattern to be distorted by the shape, hence giving a new vibration to an object I had originally created in ceramic. Smoking, No Smoking is a tray for smokers and non-smokers.
Below: Trottola by Nucleo (Piergiorgio Robino and Stefania Fersini); “Inspired by Muybridge’s work (English-born photographer, known for his early use of multiple cameras to capture motion), the Trottola fruit bowl in Corian® is reminiscent of a spinning top, one of the oldest children’s toys, frozen in four frames, combined to enhance the visual effect.”
Below is an edited press release from Corian:
–
Corian®: 40 Years - 40 Designers
DuPont celebrates 40 years of the success of Corian®
through the multi-cultural creativity of 40 designers
June 2007 – To celebrate the 40th anniversary of DuPont™ Corian® solid surface material, DuPont presents “Corian®: 40 Years - 40 Designers”, a travelling exhibition consisting of new creations by 40 designers (individual professionals, design studios or design teams) from around the world. After a first viewing in Milan, the event now comes to London to be shown at Tent London 20 -23 September 2007 at the Truman Brewery. “Corian®: 40 Years - 40 Designers” is a varied collection of new objects designed specially for this event and a selection of these objects will be produced in limited edition and commercialized.
In addition to marking the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary material, “Corian®: 40 Years - 40 Designers” aims to recognise and celebrate the huge contribution made by the design community to the way Corian® is perceived and used today
Each of the selected designers was challenged with creating a tabletop or desktop accessory, exploiting the special characteristics of Corian®. Seamless and highly formable using thermoforming or moulding techniques, Corian® can be routed and engraved using CNC machinery or printed using sublimation technology. It is available in 100 colours, including pure whites and vivid solid colours, and has a natural translucency in lighter hues, when backlit by natural or artificial light.
Corian®: 40 Years - 40 Designers” demonstrates - in microcosm - the virtually limitless possibilities of Corian® in both practical and aesthetic terms. The material has the ability to be almost anything… playful… businesslike… soothing… glamorous… ethereal…and at the same time, a simplicity and sensuousness that give it universal appeal. A truly multi-cultural material, Corian® is used in numerous different environments, in many countries across the world, which is reflected in the international nature of the 40 designers and in the diversity of the exhibited pieces. While objects had to have a specific function, they range from practical stacking trays to elegant centrepieces to quirky desk accessories such as puzzles and “worry stones”.
Jean-Yves Bach, Regional Director of DuPont Corian® in Europe, Middle East and Africa, comments: “By looking at Corian® from new angles, designers have consistently pushed forward the boundaries of what it can achieve, and have in turn inspired others. The universality of Corian® today – used in homes, shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, airports, public spaces and hospitals, to name a few – owes much to the creativity of the designers who first believed in, and experimented with the material.”
–
Posted by Marcus Fairs
可丽耐超曲面功能墙
杜邦公司成立于1802年，是一家以科研为基础的全球性企业。公司承诺以保护和重视环境为经商之本，不断致力于提高环保要求，努力让全球各地的人们生活的更美好、安全和健康。DuPont Corian（杜邦可丽耐）是杜邦创制的一种革命性的高级实体面材，属于纯亚克力产品，是美国杜邦面材生产在中国市场销售的纯进口产品，几乎可适应核满足所有室内饰面的装修装饰等各个领域。还可以制成水槽、盆等器物。是世界实体面材（人造石）行业优质高档产品的标志。
星期三, 五月 06, 2009
星期日, 三月 29, 2009
Foldable Bicycles list: How Real Today?（from yankodesign）
Above: “Antares Lift” by Hideki Kawata. It’s folded shape is inspired by a tear drop and an orchid leaf. Single-speed drive, LED lights. To fold the bike: lift up center latch and let the wheels roll together to click.
GrassHopper The Folding Recumbent Bike
Now you can have a great ride at a small package. Within 60 seconds, the fully suspended GrassHopper touring recumbent can be folded down to 96 x 60 x 70 cm. In the heart of the stiff aluminum unisize frame there is a robust folding hinge with an integrated security bolt for double safety. The rider can relax and lean back in the ergonomic seat shell made from fibreglass or alternatively in to new mesh net seat for optimum breathability. The pedals are significantly higher that the seat height of 54 cm, leading to a fast and ergonomic riding position. Solid racks for 50 kgs load are available as accessories.
Designer: Daniel Pulvermuller [ Manufacturer: HP Velotechnik ]
This Grasshopper Folds and Generates Electricity
Grasshopper is a foldable electric bicycle that turns into a trolley for easy transport. The use of composite materials provide rigidity and strength. The aim of the design is to satisfy those who like to bicycle in normal everyday life but live in places/cities where the configuration of the terrain is too severe (cough: hills). The target market is mainly composed of active people with environmental concerns and health concerns who live in urban centres, plus people who live nomadic lifestyles.
The battery charges thru regenerative braking and thru stationary bicycling. Yes you read right, this bike can turn into a stationary exercise bike. Designer David Goncalves entered his design in the 2008 12th International Bicycle Design Competition winning a Merit Prize.
Designer: David Gonçalves
‘One’ - Folding Bicycle by Thomas Owen
‘One’ provides a real solution to the problems involved with urban transport. With congestion rapidly clogging up the roads the need for products that can free individuals from their car are in real demand. When open, ‘One’ is a comfortable stylish bicycle that not only offers all the benefits of cycling (like cheap travel and exercise) but with its revolutionary power assist system the user can cruise around with ease. When folded, ‘One’ turns into a smooth, light and compact case free of all dirty and protruding parts. ‘One’ can be easily carried, stowed and stored. ‘One’ is truly a bike for eco and money minded individuals alike. Its stylish design strips it from the folding bike stigma and makes it a bike for the 21st century.
Designer: Thomas Owen
星期六, 三月 28, 2009
suitcase-folding bike
Charming bike - "suitcase-folding bike"
Here, we can see a very special bike, accurate, this is a folding bike -----" suitcase-folding bicycle. "
Designers believe that if the bike can be folded into the case, then, the folding bike on meaningful.
"Suitcase-folding bicycle" has so far in the global bike industry the most thorough folding function, after the folding bike into a complete sense of the suitcase, open or folding only 10 seconds to easily completed. And light weight, small size, solving the common folding bike handling or carrying inconvenient questions.
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| 1.The vehicle used magnesium alloy die-casting molding, sturdiness and durability. 2.Folded, the bike will become an angular the suitcase, and the use of environmental friendly, in the transportation or storage, not angular collision themselves or others. 3.The unique design of baggage drawbars, folded state, can be used as drawbars to drive the bike in the cycle, half of drawbars can be pulled out as a luggage rack use. 4.Tugs unique design. 5.The unique handle design, easy on or off. |
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| 6. Light weight, vehicle only 10 KG. 7. Small size, only 0.039 M3 vehicle. 8.Pate unique to the brakes, reducing the braking action of decomposition can improve braking efficiency, extended security warning time, Cycle more secure. 9.PU foam-free high inflatable tires, can be completely free from leakage problems. 10.The unique saddle quick system, which folded more convenient. |
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| 11.The unique saddle freedom lifting system so that the saddle height adjustment become very easy. 12.The unique foldable leading to fold more human. 13.The unique built-in speaker system returned to its port after. 14.The unique pedal folding system. 15.The new water-basket design and bike design. |
Concept Stealth(from CANNONDALE)
Posted on September 18, 2008 2:24:07 PM
;)
View Photo AlbumFor this year’s Eurobike Show in Germany, Cannondale launched a concept bike showcasing innovative design solutions that will inspire future production models.
Last year’s ON Concept provided a fresh take on what a cool, urban, folding bike could look like. This time the chosen segment was flat-bar road due to the lack of innovation in that segment.
The styling direction of the Cannondale Stealth Concept was, as the name reveals, inspired by Stealth fighter jets, which have a very distinctive edgy shape in order to be invisible on radar. Another source of inspiration was last year’s Lamborghini Reventón sports car, whose faceted surfaces and custom flat paint lend the car a unique and stealthy appearance.
"Unconventionally the best": In addition to a new form language dominated by hard edges and twisting surfaces, the bike features a single-sided fork, integrated disc brakes, integrated stem/handlebars, internal cable routing and integrated seat collar, many of which are unique features in this segment. This carries on Cannondale’s strong heritage of System Integration and long tradition of not allowing existing standards to constrain the development process and prevent innovation.
The bike was designed by Cannondale's in-house design team, and prototyped from Carbon fiber and aluminum at Cannondale's own factory in Bedford, PA. The frame was designed and manufactured as a monocoque carbon part making the front triangle including the chainstays in the mold, a first for Cannondale. The frame mold was machined from two 350lb blocks of aluminum and used seven bladders during the molding process. Using a similar molding process, the Stealth concept also showcases the first full carbon fiber rigid Lefty fork for a road bike including disc brakes. The dropouts, seatpost clamp, headset cups, Lefty road spindle, and fork mold were all machined from aluminum in our Bethel office in CT by our Engineers. The final bonding of the carbon and aluminum structure was completed in the Bedford facility as was final finishing, paint and assembly. The prototype is rideable and weighs in at 8,8kg.
The bike is not meant for production at this point, but several design elements will be seen on future Cannondale production models.
List of people involved:
Torgny Fjeldskaar (Design lead)
Erik Eagleman (Industrial Design + production)
Jeremy Mikesell (Engineering + production)
Steve Extance (Engineering + production)
David Smith (Graphic Design + production)
Curt Davis (Product Manager)
guest post by Mark Sanders
As a 12 year old, living in hilly Sheffield, UK, I was not in a cycling club, but I loved the personal freedom a bike gave me to explore much further (que Bob Sinclair ). My bike was like a human amplifier. By 18, girls, cars and a few years of engineering and design studies had taken over, and I didn't really ride much until the Strida project 7 years later.
I think it was an advantage to see bikes through the eyes of an occasional cyclist, as later I realised this is the untapped market .... a vast 'blue ocean' of potential cyclists, compared to the overcrowded 'red ocean' of enthusiasts where the bicycle industry tends to focus.
(This data is based on cycling capable population, and has similar proportions in many western countries)
I try and keep this perspective even after 20 years of designing and riding bikes. I approach bicycle design like other product design and engineering. It is one thing to make a product attractive, but the engineering needs to be worked out too – it's all design. The best part of my job is to dream; what would really be better? Then I enjoy the inventive challenge to make that dream real. I have little interest in doing 'me-too's' in reaction to marketing research – as Henry Ford reflected: “If I’d asked customers what they wanted, they would have said 'faster horses'.”
The Strida , originally a college project, was never intended for outright speed and racing. [Its design and development has been shown on Dezeen and Google eg this Video and pictures]. Strida was deliberately designed for urban utility use and with a riding position like upright Dutch bikes, and Copenhagen bikes it was designed to appeal to 'Blue Ocean' users, who also want a bike to be like any other contemporary product; fresh, easy to use and in this case ultra-portable (never carry – just wheel along).
See the classic Henry Drefus picture which illustrates the contrast wonderfully...... A bent neck and back work well to reduce drag for sport, but are not so good for people who just need a utility to get from A to B, easily, in comfort with good vision and without sweating !!
There are many 'Blue Ocean' Strida users in the Far East – this is a gathering of Strida riders at the Taipei show this year....
In South Korea, the 'Strida cafe' forum has 25,000 members – and probably due to a similar mix of men and women, has resulted in many friendships and several marriages. I think the popularity is due to the non-sporting, fun nature of both the bike and its riders. This is quite a contrast to the more serious, sport and testosterone fuelled western bike industry.
After several other, generally folding and structural products, (golf carts, medical transport chairs etc.) I got to work on the X-Bike for Sir Clive Sinclair [Uk's Steve Jobs of the '80's] .... with 2 tubes this was even simpler than the 3 tube strida !
This was a wonderful opportunity to do some fascinating, fundamental testing and bicycle research: solid urethane tyres, small wheels with and without suspension, hub centre steering, ultra short wheel bases, twisting front wheel drive transmissions, etc. Pictures HERE show some of the designs and testing – I learned that many of the so called 'bicycling facts' were in fact only 'de-facto' when used in context of cycle sport ... and not necessarily appropriate for everyday utility cycling. However, the planned low cost production version of the X-bike relied on fusible cored tools and injection moulded, long fibre reinforced nylon. But risks were high and the required investment disappeared. The same concept may now work with today's carbon frame techniques, but not for such a low target price. Instead, Sir Clive went on to develop the A-Bike with Alex Kalogroulis (who also worked on the X-bike).
Nowadays bikes are my primary daily transport – there is always something to test. I still believe folding bikes are a keystone in future urban transport plans; they make public transport 'door to door' to compete head on with private cars for commuting and short journeys; but why isn't everybody using folding bikes ? Even in London, with congestion charges and tube bombings bike use has increased 3 fold, but 90%+ of bikes are full-sized, non-folding bikes. These bikes are banned on public transport at peak times and are way too big to store in the office or in a car.
This lead me to dream of a new full-sized folding bike. Fast and easy folding into a small, wheel-able package, with all the mass between wheels and handle as HERE , and HERE This aims to appeal across the range of non-cyclists to cycling enthusiasts, and using standard gears, wheels etc. to leverage the fruits of 100years of bicycle component R&D. Now, after a few false starts, Pacific-Cycles have added their own considerable skills to this dream, and now own and are producing the IF (integrated folding) range of bikes. These are based around a 3 dimensional, 4 bar link which auto-tensions the frame and guides the wheels together in one folding action. Best seen in Video
Working at the Pacific factory is like being in heaven; as well as George and Michael Lin's expert team and their fantastic bike building facilities (CAD, CNC, precision welding, heat treatment etc etc.), it is a great place to meet bike designers eg Ryan Carroll, Marcus Riese, Steve Domahidy, Jay MacNeil, Chris Canfield, to name just a few.
IF Mode: was the 1st to be conceived with monoforks and a moncoque frame. It still remains close to the dream. Production versions have all enclosed chain drive with gears.
This is George Lin, Pacific's legendary Chairman [called the father of the Taiwanese bike industry] on an early IF Mode.
IF Cross: Adding IF technology to a conventional frame, using 700c wheels, all the benefits of Fast fold, wheel-able when folded and small folded size are retained with a wide choice of standard gears, wheels and other components. Video of 1st prototype
IF Reach: adds IF technology to Pacific's race winning, full suspension Reach.
The future of folding bikes - I see mechanisms getting much more like the automatic umbrellas we all now take for granted, but hidden in beautiful, clean and seamless monocoque frames. Having just turned 2 classic manual Can and Jar openers into fully automatic products, I dream of doing something similar with folding bikes.
I try and keep this perspective even after 20 years of designing and riding bikes. I approach bicycle design like other product design and engineering. It is one thing to make a product attractive, but the engineering needs to be worked out too – it's all design. The best part of my job is to dream; what would really be better? Then I enjoy the inventive challenge to make that dream real. I have little interest in doing 'me-too's' in reaction to marketing research – as Henry Ford reflected: “If I’d asked customers what they wanted, they would have said 'faster horses'.”
The Strida , originally a college project, was never intended for outright speed and racing. [Its design and development has been shown on Dezeen and Google eg this Video and pictures]. Strida was deliberately designed for urban utility use and with a riding position like upright Dutch bikes, and Copenhagen bikes it was designed to appeal to 'Blue Ocean' users, who also want a bike to be like any other contemporary product; fresh, easy to use and in this case ultra-portable (never carry – just wheel along).
See the classic Henry Drefus picture which illustrates the contrast wonderfully...... A bent neck and back work well to reduce drag for sport, but are not so good for people who just need a utility to get from A to B, easily, in comfort with good vision and without sweating !!
There are many 'Blue Ocean' Strida users in the Far East – this is a gathering of Strida riders at the Taipei show this year....
In South Korea, the 'Strida cafe' forum has 25,000 members – and probably due to a similar mix of men and women, has resulted in many friendships and several marriages. I think the popularity is due to the non-sporting, fun nature of both the bike and its riders. This is quite a contrast to the more serious, sport and testosterone fuelled western bike industry.After several other, generally folding and structural products, (golf carts, medical transport chairs etc.) I got to work on the X-Bike for Sir Clive Sinclair [Uk's Steve Jobs of the '80's] .... with 2 tubes this was even simpler than the 3 tube strida !
This was a wonderful opportunity to do some fascinating, fundamental testing and bicycle research: solid urethane tyres, small wheels with and without suspension, hub centre steering, ultra short wheel bases, twisting front wheel drive transmissions, etc. Pictures HERE show some of the designs and testing – I learned that many of the so called 'bicycling facts' were in fact only 'de-facto' when used in context of cycle sport ... and not necessarily appropriate for everyday utility cycling. However, the planned low cost production version of the X-bike relied on fusible cored tools and injection moulded, long fibre reinforced nylon. But risks were high and the required investment disappeared. The same concept may now work with today's carbon frame techniques, but not for such a low target price. Instead, Sir Clive went on to develop the A-Bike with Alex Kalogroulis (who also worked on the X-bike).Nowadays bikes are my primary daily transport – there is always something to test. I still believe folding bikes are a keystone in future urban transport plans; they make public transport 'door to door' to compete head on with private cars for commuting and short journeys; but why isn't everybody using folding bikes ? Even in London, with congestion charges and tube bombings bike use has increased 3 fold, but 90%+ of bikes are full-sized, non-folding bikes. These bikes are banned on public transport at peak times and are way too big to store in the office or in a car.
This lead me to dream of a new full-sized folding bike. Fast and easy folding into a small, wheel-able package, with all the mass between wheels and handle as HERE , and HERE This aims to appeal across the range of non-cyclists to cycling enthusiasts, and using standard gears, wheels etc. to leverage the fruits of 100years of bicycle component R&D. Now, after a few false starts, Pacific-Cycles have added their own considerable skills to this dream, and now own and are producing the IF (integrated folding) range of bikes. These are based around a 3 dimensional, 4 bar link which auto-tensions the frame and guides the wheels together in one folding action. Best seen in Video
Working at the Pacific factory is like being in heaven; as well as George and Michael Lin's expert team and their fantastic bike building facilities (CAD, CNC, precision welding, heat treatment etc etc.), it is a great place to meet bike designers eg Ryan Carroll, Marcus Riese, Steve Domahidy, Jay MacNeil, Chris Canfield, to name just a few.
IF Mode: was the 1st to be conceived with monoforks and a moncoque frame. It still remains close to the dream. Production versions have all enclosed chain drive with gears.
This is George Lin, Pacific's legendary Chairman [called the father of the Taiwanese bike industry] on an early IF Mode.
IF Cross: Adding IF technology to a conventional frame, using 700c wheels, all the benefits of Fast fold, wheel-able when folded and small folded size are retained with a wide choice of standard gears, wheels and other components. Video of 1st prototype
IF Reach: adds IF technology to Pacific's race winning, full suspension Reach.The future of folding bikes - I see mechanisms getting much more like the automatic umbrellas we all now take for granted, but hidden in beautiful, clean and seamless monocoque frames. Having just turned 2 classic manual Can and Jar openers into fully automatic products, I dream of doing something similar with folding bikes.
STRIDA 5.0 Designed by Mark Sanders
Big-city bike riders tend to fall into two camps. There are the utility commuters who don't care if their bike's a junker, as long as it's dependable. Then there are those who dork out over pedals and handlebar tape, or the finer points of steel versus aluminum. The two roll in separate worlds, and so do their bikes.
Strida 5.0 is the newest iteration in a series of foldable bikes by British designer Mark Sanders; after 16 years of adoration in Europe, the line finally landed in the U.S. this fall courtesy of New York-based design distributors Areaware. When I signed up to review the bizarrely shaped 5.0, I assumed it was aimed squarely at those utility commuters, who are usually willing to sacrifice looks and performance if a bike's easy to carry and store. But after a week with Sanders's creation, I'm not so sure. The Strida, with its suave, brushed-aluminum finish, is that rare combination of function and flash; from day one, it drew more stares than Gisele Bündchen in a see-through dress.
The Strida's calling card is its unique, patented frame. Most foldable bikes are shaped like an H; the vertical stalks are the steering and seat posts, and the horizontal piece is the frame. To fold everything, you first bend the steering post down via a beefy hinge. The seat post then telescopes into the frame, and another hinge folds the frame in half lengthwise. Contrast that mess of rickety joints with the Strida's elegant origami. When the bike is unfolded, the seat lies along one side of a triangle, with the handlebars at the peak and the wheels and drivetrain at either end of the base. To fold the bike, you unlock the bottom crossbar and swing it up; the post supporting the front wheel levers back, and the two wheels kiss and fasten, thanks to magnets in their hubs.
Sanders intended the Strida for hybrid commuters who might go from house to railway to street to office. Those aspirations show in every detail, from parallel wheels that make it a cinch to push the folded bike along as you walk-a nifty amenity over any distance longer than a block-to the brilliant greaseless rubber chain. Yet the best part of the design is the stable ride it produces, thanks to a triangle's natural cross-bracing. Nimbleness is a given on a bike with such a short wheelbase, but well-balanced handling results from the frame's lateral strength.
The seat slides up and down the rear post, and riding posture can vary from sitting to nearly standing, depending on your height. But I was skeptical because most foldable bikes come in small, medium, and large models; a one-size-fits-all bike like the Strida usually accommodates only an average-size person like myself. A handy test subject arrived as I was turning figure eights and popping wheelies on a sidewalk on the Lower East Side. Along came a man in a velvet tracksuit-maybe 6'2", 250 pounds-asking where he could buy the thing. I offered him a ride, and he happily sat down and shot around the corner. Realizing I'd handed off an $800 bike to a total stranger, I gave chase, only to find him nimbly picking his way among the pedestrian shoppers, looking like a bear on a circus bike. Turns out the sturdy frame makes the bike's handling easy to predict straightaway, regardless of your size; what's more, the frame's geometry won't make an awkward jumble of even the tallest rider's arms and legs.
The Strida shines in comparison with other foldable bikes, but it isn't perfect. Sure, the 5.0 has tougher, lighter components than its predecessor the 3.2, including a stouter flywheel that doesn't backslide during heavy uphill pedaling. But at $800, the parts should be better. A plastic chain ring (which joins the pedal cranks and chain) seemed flimsy, and the brake levers and neoprene saddle are cheap. Despite Strida's claims of lightness, 19.4 pounds is still on the porky side for a high-end folder (some are under 17 pounds), while the 16-inch wheels are relatively small, slowing the bike down and making it tooth-rattling over bumps. Meanwhile, multiple gears are becoming de rigueur for folders, and the Strida has only one.
But it's the mark of a good design that the Strida is perfectible. Its bulk comes mostly from thick aluminum tubes and blocky joints; a crackerjack frame designer could easily cut weight without sacrificing strength. (Aluminum tube walls can be as thin as a few business cards.) Minor tweaks to the frame could accommodate 20-inch wheels. Those same tweaks could improve the hold points and weight distribution, making the bike even easier to push when it's folded. Sanders has actually proposed similar changes but says that Ming, the manufacturer that now owns the patents, is wary of straying from what already works. That's a pity: The Strida's frame is remarkable, but with a few modifications, the bike could own the world.
Agnete Enga's bycicle design process--
WHO
I think we all agree upon that the goal of the competition is not a bike for a sport fanatic. How do you get a person that doesn't necessarily like to bike – to bike? I doubt that we can come up with one bike that will appeal to every non-biking person, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind when thinking about who the non-biker potentially is:
As designers we are so used to designing for the average (read: healthy) user. However, many people, young and old, have something they are struggling with: poor vision, dexterity issues, obesity, back problems etc. The goal should be to design "For Everyone", basic principle of Universal design ("Designing for all ages and abilities to eliminate segregation and adaptation"). As this group is probably not being accommodated by current bike designs, there is a huge opportunity to understand these needs, and to design accordingly.
Roughly half of the world's population consists of women – so the trick is to also appeal to them. Many of them are working fulltime jobs and taking care of kids, so they have little spare time to do things for themselves. If they are not interested in biking in the first place, this will end up far down on their priority list. Also – the ladies usually have a longer prep-time in the morning, (I'm sure you all know that :) So becoming sweaty from biking to work means the hassle of dragging on more stuff :( Safety when biking around alone at night is also a major factor, which will in many cases make a woman choose other means of transportation instead. One other point here from an avid female biker friend of mine – apparently it is incredible difficult for small women to find a bike frame that actually fits well… Again, an understanding of the needs of a wide range of females, and designing accordingly presents a huge opportunity.
WHERE
Where a person lives will undoubtedly have a huge impact on his / her willingness to give up their current form for transportation, whether it is car, train etc. The USA, for example, is a country built on convenience – wherever you go you have Drive through, Drive in and Drive by. A modern car is a moving living room on wheels – and a bike will never substitute that. In my home country I used to take my bike most places, but when I moved to the US years ago to live in LA I was soon driving wherever I needed to go – even short distances because of safety, timesaving and convenience on every level. I felt pretty guilty for doing so, but was still driving around…
WHAT / HOW
We need to switch the focus from the bike to the user – sounds easy, but it is also very easy to get lost in an overload of features. Not all features add value to the bike, sometimes they can detract…What are people's true needs and values? It's about finding the right benefits.
I think it is hard to get non-bikers excited about the bike itself only – it has to promise an interesting LIFESTYLE. Companies can no longer rely on cost and features as a differentiation factor, they now have to appeal to users on an emotional level - how can you offer a meaningful experience, what is the reward? The big question is: What is the MOTIVATION FACTOR to get people to commute by bike? Yes the bike needs to be easy to use, comfortable, practical, efficient, but more importantly - FUN!! I think it will be hard to get people excited about fenders, chain guards and other practical elements alone. And exercising and speed may not be the main motivation to get them out of the car. What is fun for you is not necessarily fun for them… And commuting for them may not mean miles and miles, it may just mean part of their commute – like a short ride to the train station.
The bike itself is only one part of the equation - you have to consider the whole experience (advertising, store, brand message etc). Even entering a bike store can be a pretty intimidating for the non-biker not knowing the lingo and what the options are. You can do an incredible job on designing the bike itself, but if you can't get people into the store…? To put it in perspective - consider yourself and how you would feel walking into, let's say, a make-up store, looking to buy something for your gal – you probably feel pretty out of place... So store environment and service is pretty key. And if the messaging is off, the salespeople will never be able to sell the bike for its true value.
Also, a bike for a non-biker does not at all mean a dumbed down version of a bike. There is lots of complexity within a bike, but as long as it doesn't look like a contraption don't forget that the desire for having something that is well-engineered is important, (like with cars – it's pretty satisfying to look under the hood of a beautiful car!). So don't necessarily hide technical features completely – but balance it with a user-friendly experience – you want it to promise that it is safe, solid and reliable - it can get you places.
I think we all agree upon that the goal of the competition is not a bike for a sport fanatic. How do you get a person that doesn't necessarily like to bike – to bike? I doubt that we can come up with one bike that will appeal to every non-biking person, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind when thinking about who the non-biker potentially is:
As designers we are so used to designing for the average (read: healthy) user. However, many people, young and old, have something they are struggling with: poor vision, dexterity issues, obesity, back problems etc. The goal should be to design "For Everyone", basic principle of Universal design ("Designing for all ages and abilities to eliminate segregation and adaptation"). As this group is probably not being accommodated by current bike designs, there is a huge opportunity to understand these needs, and to design accordingly.
Roughly half of the world's population consists of women – so the trick is to also appeal to them. Many of them are working fulltime jobs and taking care of kids, so they have little spare time to do things for themselves. If they are not interested in biking in the first place, this will end up far down on their priority list. Also – the ladies usually have a longer prep-time in the morning, (I'm sure you all know that :) So becoming sweaty from biking to work means the hassle of dragging on more stuff :( Safety when biking around alone at night is also a major factor, which will in many cases make a woman choose other means of transportation instead. One other point here from an avid female biker friend of mine – apparently it is incredible difficult for small women to find a bike frame that actually fits well… Again, an understanding of the needs of a wide range of females, and designing accordingly presents a huge opportunity.
WHERE
Where a person lives will undoubtedly have a huge impact on his / her willingness to give up their current form for transportation, whether it is car, train etc. The USA, for example, is a country built on convenience – wherever you go you have Drive through, Drive in and Drive by. A modern car is a moving living room on wheels – and a bike will never substitute that. In my home country I used to take my bike most places, but when I moved to the US years ago to live in LA I was soon driving wherever I needed to go – even short distances because of safety, timesaving and convenience on every level. I felt pretty guilty for doing so, but was still driving around…
WHAT / HOW
We need to switch the focus from the bike to the user – sounds easy, but it is also very easy to get lost in an overload of features. Not all features add value to the bike, sometimes they can detract…What are people's true needs and values? It's about finding the right benefits.
I think it is hard to get non-bikers excited about the bike itself only – it has to promise an interesting LIFESTYLE. Companies can no longer rely on cost and features as a differentiation factor, they now have to appeal to users on an emotional level - how can you offer a meaningful experience, what is the reward? The big question is: What is the MOTIVATION FACTOR to get people to commute by bike? Yes the bike needs to be easy to use, comfortable, practical, efficient, but more importantly - FUN!! I think it will be hard to get people excited about fenders, chain guards and other practical elements alone. And exercising and speed may not be the main motivation to get them out of the car. What is fun for you is not necessarily fun for them… And commuting for them may not mean miles and miles, it may just mean part of their commute – like a short ride to the train station.
The bike itself is only one part of the equation - you have to consider the whole experience (advertising, store, brand message etc). Even entering a bike store can be a pretty intimidating for the non-biker not knowing the lingo and what the options are. You can do an incredible job on designing the bike itself, but if you can't get people into the store…? To put it in perspective - consider yourself and how you would feel walking into, let's say, a make-up store, looking to buy something for your gal – you probably feel pretty out of place... So store environment and service is pretty key. And if the messaging is off, the salespeople will never be able to sell the bike for its true value.
Also, a bike for a non-biker does not at all mean a dumbed down version of a bike. There is lots of complexity within a bike, but as long as it doesn't look like a contraption don't forget that the desire for having something that is well-engineered is important, (like with cars – it's pretty satisfying to look under the hood of a beautiful car!). So don't necessarily hide technical features completely – but balance it with a user-friendly experience – you want it to promise that it is safe, solid and reliable - it can get you places.
Sanyo Launches Their Eneloop Bike with 1:2 Assist Ratio
Pretty popular in Japan, electric bikes never cease to amaze, and Sanyo's latest Eneloop Bike a must!
Not only does it feature the most amazing battery technology ever, Eneloop Technology, providing a cruising range of 100km (automatic mode) with a 25.2V 5.7Ah self charging (Loop Charge Function) battery. With its two-wheel drive system (rear wheels powered by the rider, the front wheel by motorized power), the Eneloop bike provides a safe, stable ride.
The last but not least, thanks to its”Power-up Mode”, the Eneloop bike provides a 1:2 assist ration making riding more comfortable (70% power assisted, 30% rider powered).
Technical aspects: 26-inch wheels, 250 watt motor, three speeds, and three assist modes (Standard / Power-Up / Auto). The electric assistance increases for speeds between 0 and 15km / h, then is reduced for speeds between 15km / h and 24km / h.
Price: 136,290 Yen (1100 €).
Folding Commuter bike by Rick Marland
The bike's designed around its lock, which becomes a handle when the bike's folded. The lock's big enough to go around a lamppost and if the locks broken the bike can't be ridden away because the locks additional purpose is to hold the bike together. (Lock can rotate meaning it can lock to horizontal/vertical rails)
The seat and handle bars are fully adjustable in all directions (adjusts to fit most adults), and use a spring-loaded geared quick-release to easily adjust/Fold bike.
The bike wheels have puncture resistant/solid tyres, with dual suspension on single sided swing-arms, which give a slim folded profile (handlebars also fold in). The swing arms have a locking catch system for the various luggage/rack options, luggage can remain locked on the bike when it's folded and the whole bike can easily be wheeled around with the lock/handle.
The bike's easy to maintain with its low maintenance shaft drive and 8speed hub gearing, it also uses hydraulic discs, all cables are internally routed. The built in lights are auto on/off (with override switch) and the battery can be charged in the bike, or removed.
a recumbent bike and a standard bike in one
A recumbent bike is more efficient and comfortable for long distances while a standard bike is safer and more manoeuvrable in city traffic. ‘intera’ has all these advantages.
fast and easy conversion
The driver can transform the bicycle in both directions in a few simple steps, without disassembling any part or lifting the bike off the ground. It only takes a few seconds.
without compromising ergonomics in both positions
We built the bike around the two ideal positions (sitting and laying down) instead of fitting the person around the bike.
with only standard industry-wide techniques, systems and parts
This way the time to market and the investment cost is kept to a minimum.
target market
commuters; people who live outside the city and go to work inside the city
innovative features
two comfortable bicycles in one
only using industry-wide techniques, systems and parts.
frame: bended and welded aluminium tubes
drive: standard chains and gears
mechanisms: all hinges (seat, steer and pedals) and locks are plain, low tech and implemented in a way that momentum forces are reduced to a minimum.
F.O.U.R (Frame Optimized Urban Racer)
F.O.U.R (Frame Optimized Urban Racer) is a concept of bicycle design initiated in a bachelor-thesis in spring 2008. The design concept is a modular urban bike for the target market of European cities. Its main innovative features are exchangeable frame modules, which create a high range of individual usability for the future customer. The bike provides 3 different frame modules adapted to the type of usage. Based on the changes and growth of our urban traffic, I questioned a great number of common attributes of today’s urban cycles. Individuality and increased autonomy were the most important issues for my design. F.O.U.R. confronts the problem of single-sided usability in middle European cities. The concept fulfills the needs of an urban user with the help of the modular system. A modular cycle consists of a light and stiff base frame, which is connected through 2 plug-and socket connections with exchangeable modules. The user can individually enhance those exchangeable frame modules. They are available in different sizes and made of different materials. The line-up of this concept ranges from a «sporty urban bike» and a «women specific» to a «city agility» module. Therefore, its base frame offers all the technical characteristics of a safe and high qualitative city bike. The exchangeable module completes the sophisticated package by providing different geometries for different habits of the future customer. F.O.U.R. gives a projection of a forward-looking concept to cope with future requirements of using a bicycle in our cities. This project comprises results of research in ergonomics, functionality, user needs, safety, modularity and a new method of resolutions combined with an appealing product language.
星期五, 三月 27, 2009
International Bicycle Design Competition
激动！
我看好的那车 拿第一了！
The 13th IBDC (International Bicycle Design Competition) has consisted of 938 outstanding entries from 55 nations around the global. This professional international event, which calls innovative designs from all over the world every year, is hosted by Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C.. Not only it has brought about new concepts and thinking models through outlook, structure and functions, it allows us to gain a much clear insight into different life styles and trends from the nations involved, hence it injects new life into the bicycle products.
The 13th IBDC international panel committee has selected 21 entries into the finalist since August last year. Regrettably there was 1 piece of design, which was unable to reach its completion for the final round. Therefore at the end, only the remaining 20 contenders completed for the 500,000 NTD rewards.
In this year's finalist entries, there are designers from Taiwan, Mainland China, Romania, Colombia, India, Slovakia, and Germany. All the results were announced during award ceremony held on the 17th March (the opening day of the 2009 Taipei international Cycle Show).
The Grand Prize winner is the"±X" designed by Peng-Yueh Hsu, from Taiwan, and two other designers Hongyu Sun and Kun Shao, from China. The design"±X" made his way through the critical judges, and won himself the Grand Prize with 500,000 NTD. "±X" bike can be transformed into 3 different forms according to the needs of riders. This bike combines functionalities and recreational fun. The simple mechanism allows easy transformation without using any complicated tools.
The winner of Second Prize, "ANYTIME", also winner of the Giant Prize is designed by the last year Grand Prize winner Larry Chen .,ANYTIME is a folding bike with a removable power assistant unit called “power pack”. The external mounted power pack design integrates a motor, a control unit and, a battery. It allows users to remove and install with a quick-release mechanism. One can have the bike with power pack for daily commute, or without power pack for weekend exercise. The front and rear wheels are positioned paralleled to each other after fully folded, of which also allows for towing the bike whilst walking. It is a commuting and exercise equipment perfect for people who live in big cities and don't have enough spaces at home. An Excellent Prize winner, also won himself the Merida Prize, "WinSolar", is design by Chun -Tung Chen and Kuoh-Siang Chen, WinSolar is an intelligent green-powered bicycle. It stores electric ties transformed by wind energy, solar energy, shock energy and pedalling power collected during normal ridings. A spoiler covered with solar panel is affixed below the handles of the bike to produce a lifting force for lightening the overall weight load of the bike. All the 3 design winning entries above have been developed into a real bicycle by CHC, which made the winner overwhelmingly; it is like a dream comes true!
The Grand Prize winner
±X Model vs ±X Prototype
The winner of Second Prize
ANYTIME Model vs ANYTIME Prototype
The winner of Merida Prize
WinSolar Model vs WinSolar Prototype
There are two design product from last year, one is the Third Prize "EVERGLIDE" which is an innovative design that integrates a bicycle with a backpack. The bicycle itself can be folded down into an attached backpack, making it packable and still mobile. The integrated solution satisfies all kind of needs for short-distance cyclists. The second generation EVERGLIDE is improved from its first generation, the diameter of the wheel is increased from 10 inches to 12 inches to make the riding more stable. The weight of the model is also being reduced to make the folding time less than before. It not only satisfied the traveler, but also made the riding more convenient. There is also another Excellent Prize "FREE LOCK"，The second generation FREE LOCK continue its first design on its innovative anti-theft solution. The frame and the saddle can be uniquely turned into a locking device, which cyclists won't have to bring with them anymore. FREE LOCK is suitable on all kinds of fences, railings or poles found in the city. The geometric shape is smartly formed, and its moulded locking system together with the traditional bicycle formation, made the bicycle stronger, more convenient and a much more attractive city bike. These innovative designs are most welcome for bicycle companies to take into production, or being recreated by the concept made.
EVERGLIDE First generation vs EVERGLIDE Second generation
FREE LOCK First generation vs FREE LOCK Second generation
In the past, the bicycle was thought a sport article or transportation. However, it is getting to be a life-added product. The design style was transformed from traditional bionic model, streamline shape and pure functional form into the recent dressing design and vogue and simplify in this year. The bicycle industry design has been getting mature. We hope the IBDC can continuously lead the world bicycle design to be a vogue main stream.
我看好的那车 拿第一了！
The 13th IBDC (International Bicycle Design Competition) has consisted of 938 outstanding entries from 55 nations around the global. This professional international event, which calls innovative designs from all over the world every year, is hosted by Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C.. Not only it has brought about new concepts and thinking models through outlook, structure and functions, it allows us to gain a much clear insight into different life styles and trends from the nations involved, hence it injects new life into the bicycle products.
The 13th IBDC international panel committee has selected 21 entries into the finalist since August last year. Regrettably there was 1 piece of design, which was unable to reach its completion for the final round. Therefore at the end, only the remaining 20 contenders completed for the 500,000 NTD rewards.
In this year's finalist entries, there are designers from Taiwan, Mainland China, Romania, Colombia, India, Slovakia, and Germany. All the results were announced during award ceremony held on the 17th March (the opening day of the 2009 Taipei international Cycle Show).
The Grand Prize winner is the"±X" designed by Peng-Yueh Hsu, from Taiwan, and two other designers Hongyu Sun and Kun Shao, from China. The design"±X" made his way through the critical judges, and won himself the Grand Prize with 500,000 NTD. "±X" bike can be transformed into 3 different forms according to the needs of riders. This bike combines functionalities and recreational fun. The simple mechanism allows easy transformation without using any complicated tools.
The winner of Second Prize, "ANYTIME", also winner of the Giant Prize is designed by the last year Grand Prize winner Larry Chen .,ANYTIME is a folding bike with a removable power assistant unit called “power pack”. The external mounted power pack design integrates a motor, a control unit and, a battery. It allows users to remove and install with a quick-release mechanism. One can have the bike with power pack for daily commute, or without power pack for weekend exercise. The front and rear wheels are positioned paralleled to each other after fully folded, of which also allows for towing the bike whilst walking. It is a commuting and exercise equipment perfect for people who live in big cities and don't have enough spaces at home. An Excellent Prize winner, also won himself the Merida Prize, "WinSolar", is design by Chun -Tung Chen and Kuoh-Siang Chen, WinSolar is an intelligent green-powered bicycle. It stores electric ties transformed by wind energy, solar energy, shock energy and pedalling power collected during normal ridings. A spoiler covered with solar panel is affixed below the handles of the bike to produce a lifting force for lightening the overall weight load of the bike. All the 3 design winning entries above have been developed into a real bicycle by CHC, which made the winner overwhelmingly; it is like a dream comes true!
The Grand Prize winner
±X Model vs ±X Prototype
The winner of Second Prize
ANYTIME Model vs ANYTIME Prototype
The winner of Merida Prize
WinSolar Model vs WinSolar Prototype
There are two design product from last year, one is the Third Prize "EVERGLIDE" which is an innovative design that integrates a bicycle with a backpack. The bicycle itself can be folded down into an attached backpack, making it packable and still mobile. The integrated solution satisfies all kind of needs for short-distance cyclists. The second generation EVERGLIDE is improved from its first generation, the diameter of the wheel is increased from 10 inches to 12 inches to make the riding more stable. The weight of the model is also being reduced to make the folding time less than before. It not only satisfied the traveler, but also made the riding more convenient. There is also another Excellent Prize "FREE LOCK"，The second generation FREE LOCK continue its first design on its innovative anti-theft solution. The frame and the saddle can be uniquely turned into a locking device, which cyclists won't have to bring with them anymore. FREE LOCK is suitable on all kinds of fences, railings or poles found in the city. The geometric shape is smartly formed, and its moulded locking system together with the traditional bicycle formation, made the bicycle stronger, more convenient and a much more attractive city bike. These innovative designs are most welcome for bicycle companies to take into production, or being recreated by the concept made.
EVERGLIDE First generation vs EVERGLIDE Second generation
FREE LOCK First generation vs FREE LOCK Second generation
In the past, the bicycle was thought a sport article or transportation. However, it is getting to be a life-added product. The design style was transformed from traditional bionic model, streamline shape and pure functional form into the recent dressing design and vogue and simplify in this year. The bicycle industry design has been getting mature. We hope the IBDC can continuously lead the world bicycle design to be a vogue main stream.
Skua: Giving the Car Some Competition
Automobiles are effortless. Their interiors are comfortable, dry and climate controlled. They allow the occupants to bring cargo. In order to encourage the world to use their own strength as a form of transit we must first encourage the world to get out of their cars. Why not create a bicycle that possesses these same qualities? Why not give the car some competition? That is the mentality behind the Skua (skyoo-uh), to provide the cyclist a smooth, dry and climate controlled ride that requires minimal effort.
This style of vehicle has been in existence for some time and is generally referred to as a velomibile. Velomobiles are essentially recumbent tricycles with aerodynamic body work. The Skua pushes the concept further.
Most velomobiles have exposed front wheels to allow the cycle to steer. This creates drag. The Skua is able to tightly close in the front wheels by using a trailing linkage rear wheel steering system. The two front wheels drive the bicycle. The shell of the Skua is thermoformed plastic from film and foam coextruded sheets. Gracefully forming the sheets yields an appealing, aerodynamic and sound deadening ride. Competition for the car has arrived.
星期四, 三月 26, 2009
营造属于自己的空间 Modesty Panel
韩国设计师Soojin Hyun带来的这款Modesty Panel就是要帮人们营造一处在公共场所属于自己的私密空间，它外观看似一个小木屋，里头装有张工作桌，四墙面上配有书架、抽屉和窗户，半封闭式的空间 氛围让人感觉安全自我，而且它能够根据需要做成不同的尺寸与内部装饰设计，极具个性化
Flexible touchscreen debuts
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid14027000001?bctid=14033300001
http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=214502697&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_newsRSS
http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=214502697&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_newsRSS
Audi鲨鱼现身
设计师Domus Academy为Audi(奥迪)新设计的概念飞行车“The Audi Shark（Audi鲨鱼）”，最近现出真身。据说它是结合飞机与摩托赛车创意出的作品，单看外形极具科幻气息，有点超出我们目前的认知范畴，属于未来型交通工具。
Vessel Coat Doubles as a Backpack, Triples As a Tent
It's a coat, backpack and tent all-in-one.
During warm weather, the coat can be folded and strapped around the wearer as a backpack for easy transport. When it's time to set up camp, the interior lining can be stretched out and pegged—creating a private, protective cocoon. Again, it's only a concept at this point—but I've watched enough Suvivorman and Man vs. Wild to know that something like this could be useful in the real world.
AIRPod: tiny air-powered commuter costs half a Euro per 100km
March 6, 2009 Compressed air cars are well and truly on their way to mass production in India and America, among other places - although they seem to be taking their time. But the cheap, environmentally-neutral compressed air engine also lends itself to other interesting urban and industrial transport concepts like the AIRPod. Intended both as a personal 3-4 seater city commuter and as a getabout for airport, train station and municipal workers, the AIRPod is cute and easy to drive with a joystick instead of a steering wheel and pedals. The three-wheel transport weighs around the same as a touring motorcycle at 220kg, so it only needs 5 1/2 horsepower from its lightweight air engine to reach top speeds a little over 40mph. Best of all, cheap compressed air refilling will take as little as 90 seconds and cost about EU1.10 for the AIRPod's expected 220km range.
Now that petrol has come down to a more affordable price around the world, there seems to be less urgency surrounding alternative fuel vehicles. But the money that went into fossil fuel alternatives in the last several years is bearing fruit on a number of fronts, with battery-electric vehicles appearing the most likely alternative to make the jump into the mainstream. Car companies are still pushing Hydrogen as a solution, but we'd tend to view that as a red herring - a solution far more amenable to petrol distribution companies than to customers or the energy economy at large.
Compressed air has been developing much more quietly - we haven't seen anything from the major auto companies, unlike hybrids, hydrogen and battery cars which dominate the concept car stands at most auto shows now. But air cars certainly have their practicalities as a petrol alternative, and there are several in development.
While electric car makers are battling for glamorous power figures and shooting for the top end of the market, compressed air car companies like ex-Formula One engine designer Guy Negre's MDI are aiming to prove themselves as contenders in economy and utility. Requiring no exotic battery materials, and using primarily aluminum construction (even in the engine block) keeps air cars light and cheap - to the point where Indian manufacturer Tata, in partnership with MDI, believes it will be able to offer air cars at a price competitive enough to make them a realistic option for the average Indian worker.
But while the company works towards a forecast 2010 launch for its sub-$20,000 American air car product, it's also looking at how the compressed air engine might be able to offer completely new transport options.
One of the more interesting ideas - and the one that MDI claims will launch first of all - is the AIRPod. A three-wheeled minicar, the AIRPod allegedly seats 3 adults and a child - although it looks much more comfortable as a 2-person vehicle, with back-seat passengers facing the rear to conserve space.
The large glass door opens from the front of the pod - the driver controls the vehicle using a joystick instead of a full steering column, so vision ahead is pretty much unhindered. Despite the pod's fairly large interior volume, the chassis is all made from sandwiched fiberglass and polyurethane, so it's super light. Weight is kept down to a miniscule 220kg, which helps squeeze performance and range from the tiny 180cc aluminum compressed air engine.
The compressed air tanks on board can store a maximum of 175 liters of air at a pressure of 350bar - or around 5080 psi. That's about 180 times as much pressure as you'd put in your car tyres, so you'd be right to be worried about a hell of a pop if they get punctured. While it might be a scary experience, though, it's unlikely to be dangerous, as the carbon-fiber/thermoplastic tanks are designed to split and release the air instead of shattering and exploding like a metal cylinder might. Still, there's not much safety and crash test data floating about just yet.
The tiny motor can make about 5 1/2 horsepower, which, combined with the low weight and aerodynamic shape of the AIRPod, allow it a top speed around 70kmh. Range under ideal circumstances would be around 220km - although in the stop-start city traffic and to-and-fro baggage carrying environment the pod is designed for, you'd expect that range to drop significantly.
Refilling the air tanks can allegedly be achieved in 1.5 minutes for a cost of EU1.10 - but filling up this fast might have some heat consequences and we'd expect a production version to take a reasonable amount longer.
The front wheel is actually a two-wheel dolly not unlike that at the front of a jumbo jet, and the AIRPod's steering is controlled by driving the rear wheels at different speeds.
It's an interesting idea - but we've got to admit the main reason we'd like to see the AIRPod come to market soon is that we want to see how compressed air will stack up against battery-electric vehicles in the longer run. Since electric vehicles are well proven through decades of use in things like golf and baggage carts, perhaps a mini-pod like this one is a good way to evaluate compressed air's potential in the market.
SixthSense: A Wearable Gestural Interface
SixthSense is a wearable gestural interface that augments the physical world around us with digital information and lets us use natural hand gestures to interact with that information.
The projector projects visual information enabling surfaces, walls and physical objects around us to be used as interfaces. Created by Patti Maes (MIT Media Lab).
Ten commandments
1. Good Design is innovative
It does not copy existing product forms, nor does it produce any kind of novelty for the sake of it. The essence of innovation must be clearly seen in all functions of a product. The possibilities in this respect are by no means exhausted. Technological development keeps offering new chances for innovative solutions.
2. Good Design makes a product useful
A product is bought in order to be used. It must serve a defined purpose – in both primary and additional functions. The most important task of design is to optimise the utility of a product.
3. Good Design is aesthetic
The aesthetic quality of a product – and the fascination it inspires – is an integral part of the its utility. Without doubt, it is uncomfortable and tiring to have to put up with products that are confusing, that get on your nerves, that you are unable to relate to. However, it has always been a hard task to argue about aesthetic quality, for two reasons.
Firstly, it is difficult to talk about anything visual, since words have a different meaning for different people.
Secondly, aesthetic quality deals with details, subtle shades, harmony and the equilibrium of a whole variety of visual elements. A good eye is required, schooled by years and years of experience, in order to be able to draw the right conclusion.
4. Good Design helps a product be understood
It clarifies the structure of the product. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory and saves you the long, tedious perusal of the operating manual.
5. Good Design is unobtrusive
Products that satisfy this criterion are tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained leaving room for the user’s self-expression.
6. Good Design is honest
An honestly-designed product must not claim features it does not have – being more innovative, more efficient, of higher value. It must not influence or manipulate buyers and users.
7. Good Design is durable
It is nothing trendy that might be out-of-date tomorrow. This is one of the major differences between well-designed products and trivial objects for a waste-producing society. Waste must no longer be tolerated.
8. Good Design is thorough to the last detail
Thoroughness and accuracy of design are synonymous with the product and its functions, as seen through the eyes of the user
9. Good Design is concerned with environment
Design must contribute towards a stable environment and a sensible use of raw materials. This means considering not only actual pollution, but also the visual pollution and destruction of our environment.
10. Good Design is as little design as possible
Back to purity, back to simplicity.
星期三, 三月 25, 2009
Transformable Trailer
Transformable Trailer
red dot red dot award: design concept 2008
design:
Fan Jeng-Neng
With a few simple fold/unfold procedures, the Transformable Trailer can be transformed from a carrier rack above the rear wheel of a bicycle into a trailer towed behind, and vice versa.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 65% of people live on farms and in villages, with large distances between them. Less than 1% of the population owns a car or truck. Human porterage (either on the head, shoulders or back) is common in these rural areas, particularly where access roads are in a poor condition. Carrying items unaided requires significant labour and it is time consuming. Instead of human porterage, bicycles can also be an important means of transport in rural Africa, both for personal transport and for the transport of light goods. Different types of road and terrain conditions can cause difficulty, however. An adaptable bicycle transportation accessory for different road conditions is necessary.
This transformable trailer allows the cyclist to change the way it is used with few simple operations. The simple fold/unfold procedure can transform a carrier rack above the rear wheel into a trailer towed behind. With the help of rubber straps for tying goods, delivery can be made much easier. With consideration given to cost and maintenance, the principle parts of this foldable trailer have been designed in extruded aluminum. Using only one material, which is recyclable, the transformable trailer can be mass produced easily and have a huge impact on transportation in rural Africa.
Automobile design 2008 trend report
Automobile design 2008 trend report
Mobility for the future – new personal transport conceptsWhat does the mobility of the future look like? Manufacturers have approached this question from two opposing angles. First are the many studies that focus on solving traffic problems in the city centres of highly motorised and technology-oriented societies. Second are concepts that address how societies in threshold countries can be further motorised.A boldly futuristic attempt to develop environmentally friendly solutions for city mobility came from Toyota, which presented a three-wheeled concept study for personal mobility.Innovative approaches are also evident in the Opel Flextreme, a concept that boasts a storage system underneath the trunk for a pair of electrically driven personal Segway transporters. They are for use in traffic-calmed areas where cars are banned, and thus extend personal mobility.How can the global masses be further motorised? The answer to this question comes from India in the shape of the Tata Nano. With a retail price of no more than 1,700 euros, the Tata Nano is a pioneering vehicle in the new field of mass motorisation in threshold countries.The design of ecologyPredictably, climate protection and environmental conservation were important themes in Geneva. There are hardly any manufacturers not feverishly working on research and development in this area. Among the debuts in Geneva, seventeen featured alternative engine designs. Dynamic, sporting, elegant: this is what energy-saving environmental cars of the future look like.A truly expressive design concept within the compact class came from Saab in the form of the 9-X BioHybrid, a model with very short overhangs and an arching roof line. Inspired by the Aero X Coupé, a red dot: luminary award winner and red dot award: design concept submission that Saab unveiled two years ago in Geneva, the 9-X BioHybrid features a body without visible door handles or side mirrors, a wraparound windshield and a deep front grille.Can a sports car satisfy demands for environmental integrity? Swedish sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg answered this question with its CCXR: With over 1,000 HP, the CCXR has a top speed of 400 km/h and runs on bio-ethanol. This E85 fuel is refined from grain and sugar beets and thus is produced from renewable resources.New types of vehiclesWhat happens when companies run out of genuinely innovative ideas? Many manufacturers try to overcome this problem by continuously looking for new niches and developing special hybrid forms. These efforts are not always successful. Currently the trend is towards fusing the cross-country vehicle with the coupe. The designs are characterised by sturdy front ends and coupe-like sloping roof lines.One elegant solution came from Land Rover and its LRX Concept: the vehicle has the elegant profile of a coupe, yet a bold, aggressive form owing to the low roof line and the wide, deep front.In contrast, a truly negative example of this kind of design was the Hummer. Checking the Hummer against the four basic qualities a well-designed product should fulfil (quality of function, quality of seduction, quality of use, and quality of responsibility), it is clear that the Hummer study is socially incompatible: a secularised version of Star Wars brought to the road.
For additional, current examples on this subject, please visit our picture gallery:
>>Picture gallery “Mobility for the future”
Car personalitiesThe common design denominator in all classes could be characterised as aggressive. Even compact cars no longer follow the scheme of childlike design motifs, but take on the looks of little monsters boasting pseudo-aggressive elements. Gigantic cooling air inlets, black grids and overstated headlights and taillights aim to convey strength, superiority and speed. Such stylistic devices are used more and more often, lending the cars an increasingly uniform and interchangeable appearance. While a few years ago one could still distinguish individual brands at a glance even from a distance, today one often has to check by looking for the marque’s emblem.Exaggerated lights wrap around the edges on both the front and rear of the cars; some backlights even extend beyond the C-pillar. Modern LED lighting technology is used to design headlights and taillights that are almost sculptural.
For additional examples, please visit our picture gallery:
>>Picture gallery: “Car personalities”
Mobility for the future – new personal transport conceptsWhat does the mobility of the future look like? Manufacturers have approached this question from two opposing angles. First are the many studies that focus on solving traffic problems in the city centres of highly motorised and technology-oriented societies. Second are concepts that address how societies in threshold countries can be further motorised.A boldly futuristic attempt to develop environmentally friendly solutions for city mobility came from Toyota, which presented a three-wheeled concept study for personal mobility.Innovative approaches are also evident in the Opel Flextreme, a concept that boasts a storage system underneath the trunk for a pair of electrically driven personal Segway transporters. They are for use in traffic-calmed areas where cars are banned, and thus extend personal mobility.How can the global masses be further motorised? The answer to this question comes from India in the shape of the Tata Nano. With a retail price of no more than 1,700 euros, the Tata Nano is a pioneering vehicle in the new field of mass motorisation in threshold countries.The design of ecologyPredictably, climate protection and environmental conservation were important themes in Geneva. There are hardly any manufacturers not feverishly working on research and development in this area. Among the debuts in Geneva, seventeen featured alternative engine designs. Dynamic, sporting, elegant: this is what energy-saving environmental cars of the future look like.A truly expressive design concept within the compact class came from Saab in the form of the 9-X BioHybrid, a model with very short overhangs and an arching roof line. Inspired by the Aero X Coupé, a red dot: luminary award winner and red dot award: design concept submission that Saab unveiled two years ago in Geneva, the 9-X BioHybrid features a body without visible door handles or side mirrors, a wraparound windshield and a deep front grille.Can a sports car satisfy demands for environmental integrity? Swedish sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg answered this question with its CCXR: With over 1,000 HP, the CCXR has a top speed of 400 km/h and runs on bio-ethanol. This E85 fuel is refined from grain and sugar beets and thus is produced from renewable resources.New types of vehiclesWhat happens when companies run out of genuinely innovative ideas? Many manufacturers try to overcome this problem by continuously looking for new niches and developing special hybrid forms. These efforts are not always successful. Currently the trend is towards fusing the cross-country vehicle with the coupe. The designs are characterised by sturdy front ends and coupe-like sloping roof lines.One elegant solution came from Land Rover and its LRX Concept: the vehicle has the elegant profile of a coupe, yet a bold, aggressive form owing to the low roof line and the wide, deep front.In contrast, a truly negative example of this kind of design was the Hummer. Checking the Hummer against the four basic qualities a well-designed product should fulfil (quality of function, quality of seduction, quality of use, and quality of responsibility), it is clear that the Hummer study is socially incompatible: a secularised version of Star Wars brought to the road.
For additional, current examples on this subject, please visit our picture gallery:
>>Picture gallery “Mobility for the future”
Car personalitiesThe common design denominator in all classes could be characterised as aggressive. Even compact cars no longer follow the scheme of childlike design motifs, but take on the looks of little monsters boasting pseudo-aggressive elements. Gigantic cooling air inlets, black grids and overstated headlights and taillights aim to convey strength, superiority and speed. Such stylistic devices are used more and more often, lending the cars an increasingly uniform and interchangeable appearance. While a few years ago one could still distinguish individual brands at a glance even from a distance, today one often has to check by looking for the marque’s emblem.Exaggerated lights wrap around the edges on both the front and rear of the cars; some backlights even extend beyond the C-pillar. Modern LED lighting technology is used to design headlights and taillights that are almost sculptural.
For additional examples, please visit our picture gallery:
>>Picture gallery: “Car personalities”
Color Picker
red dot red dot award: design concept 2008
design:
Park Jinsun
Color Picker is a pen that enables colours in the environment to be scanned and instantly used for drawing.
The things around us – whether natural or artificial – display an infinite and diverse range of beautiful colours from which we are able to draw much inspiration. Color Picker is a pen that allows the user to scan and immediately use any colour they see. The user is not only able to scan colours from objects in the environment, but also from colour chips. Color Picker is convenient and easy to use. The pen is placed against an object and the user presses the colour scan button. The colour sensor detects the colour and displays it on the colour display. The RGB cartridge located within the pen mixes the inks to create the colour scanned. The user is then able to use the colour to draw.
Color Picker aids in the observation of nature’s changing colours. Most people paint the leaves of trees green, despite the fact that they change their colour according to the seasons. With Color Picker, children as well as adults are able to develop a more acute sensorial and visual perception of the colours of nature that surround them. The user will be able to develop their own palette of of colours, such as “winter apple” or “tree on a gloomy day”.
design:
Park Jinsun
Color Picker is a pen that enables colours in the environment to be scanned and instantly used for drawing.
The things around us – whether natural or artificial – display an infinite and diverse range of beautiful colours from which we are able to draw much inspiration. Color Picker is a pen that allows the user to scan and immediately use any colour they see. The user is not only able to scan colours from objects in the environment, but also from colour chips. Color Picker is convenient and easy to use. The pen is placed against an object and the user presses the colour scan button. The colour sensor detects the colour and displays it on the colour display. The RGB cartridge located within the pen mixes the inks to create the colour scanned. The user is then able to use the colour to draw.
Color Picker aids in the observation of nature’s changing colours. Most people paint the leaves of trees green, despite the fact that they change their colour according to the seasons. With Color Picker, children as well as adults are able to develop a more acute sensorial and visual perception of the colours of nature that surround them. The user will be able to develop their own palette of of colours, such as “winter apple” or “tree on a gloomy day”.
星期二, 三月 24, 2009
Someone Let the Snake Speaker Out of the Bag
What has one head, a shiny face, and hot beatz? YES! The correct answer is Timbaland. Timbaland, who can be played quite easily on these “Serpent Speakers” by designer Ben Wahrich. They bend and turn and sit and play dead. They stay bent, and can bend like crazy style all over your desk or table. My favorite option is turning them into what basically amounts to Hurcules Hooks - holding itself up with it’s own spine!
These also remind me of the artist KAWS toy called the “Bendy.” For a picture see [Minipop] (halfway down) or search [Kaws Bendy] on Flickr. -in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were the inspiration.
I’ve got a pair of wireless speakers sort of like this - I imagine the ability to hang them from the ceiling without the use of rope or rubber-bands would be super neat.
Designer: Ben Wahrlich
星期日, 三月 22, 2009
A Hood That Will Make All The Difference
Blockbuster Hollywood movies can bring on the spotlight to lesser know disease and medical conditions. For example, After Rain Man we all knew what Autism was. That story told us how autistic people suffer from impaired social interaction and communication. In children the condition is heightened with sensory disorders and even minor noises can disturb them. A recent research suggests that stimulants like music, aromatherapy, and textured toys can help alleviate the condition. This where something like the Beagle scarf-hoodie can help.
This scarf includes speakers in the hood making it the perfect soothing wrap, around the child’s ears. Furthermore, customized aroma patches along with textured inner pockets can be integrated to the scarf. Coping with as autistic child can be trying at times and if something like the Beagle can bring the child some relief, then so be it.
Designer: Leo Chao
Toxic Style
If you trace it from its origins, you will be amazed to see how this communication device has transformed from a basic wireless telephone to a fashion gizmo that packs it in all. If it’s not the camera, projector or touchscreen prowess, then it’s the blinged look that this device boasts of. Here’s a look at the Poison that brings a transparent LCD screen to the device. Looking more like a perfume bottle than a phone, it’s toxic!
Designer: Ryan Ma
星期四, 三月 19, 2009
Bike for Power!
The OHM is a hand-held sized energy device for cyclists. As it’s explained below, this device uses magnets and a dynamo to collect energy which can in turn be used to power up your phone or other chargeable device. Now you too can declare yourself independent of power plugs and cigarette lighters forever!
The designer, Xavier Unwin, explains the OHM as such:
“Based on electromagnetic induction, ohm harvests, stores and converts human power into usable energy.
1. The user attaches ohm magnets to bicycle wheel spokes. The N42 neodymium magnets provide the optimal balance of durability and magnet strength (current output).
2. The user fixes ohm holder to bicycle seat stays, ensuring the holder is in line with the ohm magnets. The ohm energy device is then placed inside the holder to provide protection from dirt and moisture.
3. The user begins to cycle. As the wheel spokes turn, the magnets pass the ohm internal coil of wire (dynamo) inducing a current. The current is stored in the internal 1200 mAh lithium ion battery.
4. Once the user finishes cycling, the ohm energy device can be removed and used to recharge, with suitable adapters, any portable electronic device under 5 volts. Approximately 45 minutes to an hour of cycling produces enough energy to fully recharge a mobile phone.”
As with all bicycle devices, the OHM is subject of the scrutiny of the riders who have been victim of bike theft; bikes sit out in the open quite often, how realistic is it to attach any device to a bike without fear of it being thieved? Perhaps making the magnets look like baseball cards or the like: things that don’t look shiny and black-market-worthy.
On the other hand, charging up your electronic stuff with your own blood sweat and tears is totally steampunk. Also, how awesome is the dynamo? Power up your mouse-sized Iron Man suit much?
Designer: Xavier Unwin
星期一, 三月 16, 2009
This Bike Is Missing Some Tubes
Most bikes make use of two back to back triangles in what’s called a diamond frame to give structure and support to all the myriad elements of a bicycle. This Wire Bike from designer Ionut Predescu instead relies on tensegrity to leverage the tensile strength of Kevlar wire against the compression strength of but two carbon fiber tubes. The end result is a theoretically lighter bicycle where the rider and his seat seems to float against the rest of the bike through the tension of the cables.
Designer: Ionut Predescu
One Seriously Tight Light Bike
Like to ride your bike after the sun sets? Are you a real Night Rider? Confused as to why trucks don’t seem to notice your pleads for attention and keep slamming your bones around the city streets? Well if you like life and don’t want to die while cruising down the avenues after dark, this bike design by Rudi Moosmeier called “Tong City Bike” just might be all the vehicular enlightenment you’ll need. The designer’s concerns for your safety have manifested in this brilliant (pun intended) bike design that is not only low maintenance, but also safe and secure. The low maintenance aspect is in the all-in-one housing for the brake system, drivetrain, shock absorbers and gears. The safe aspect comes from the use of integrated light tubes that can be customized to any color you desire, making you a more obvious target. Last but not least, this rolling rig even comes with a mini lockable safe, for storing your mobile phone, wallet, light saber or Batphones.
Designer: Nr21 DesignWhen Riding A Bicycle Just Isn’t Green Enough
If you’ve ever felt the urge to attach a fender to your bike just so you can wrap it in environmentally-aware bumper stickers, then you might like the Green Shadow. Developed by Mr. Onuff Studio for a video game, the bicycle still stands as an interesting study in form and function, presumably tracking mileage, heat rate and calories through the handle-bar mounted LCD. While only intended as illustrative work and not for actual production, I can only imagine a real version would incorporate fresh ivory, baby seals or endangered pandas to help snag that valuable pro-earth, anti-animal demographic.
Designer: Mr. Onuff Studio
For the Scoot People with Too Much Luggage
Though the classic cross-city bike messanger method / character / lifestyle will never be trumped by a motorized vehicle, one can dream of a nicer* way to carry one’s briefcase to work. *Nicer, in this case, meaning, gosh, I have to go to work every day, but it’s only a short distance. I’d sure like a more eco-friendly ride, but I have too much to carry!
It’s time to stash!
Scooter people. You see them. I see them. We all see them. They can’t carry a very huge amount of peanuts. Only what can fit in their backpack or in their under-seat compartment.
What designer Elliot Ortiz has whipped up here is the solution for your luggage woes, the aptly titled, “Cargo” scooter. With its large capacity for storage and a “Drive by Wire” tank-style steering system, it can carry up to “one whole crapload of junk.”*
*I made up that unit of measurement.
Note from Elliot: the small gas motor is “tucked away on the rear swing arm in case you were wondering ;)”.
Designer: Elliot Ortiz
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