Main features: * 2-3 kitesurfing type sails * 2 catamaran hulls * hydrofoils under both ends of each catamaran hull * some kind of deck to hold passengers and cargoDetails: * the kitesails would be staggered from front to farther back (exact locations need to be worked out) * the angle of attack of the sets of hydrofoil blades on each corner would need to be controllable to facilitate the boat rising out of the water for less drag but not getting tipped over by gusts of wind * the vertical members that hold the hydroil blades would also act as daggerboards and be steerable to control sideways slipping and enable tacking against the wind * a small auxiliary energy system would be very helpful for "power steering" and to power onboard computer circuitry and sensors to respond to wind gusts and make rapid adjustments to avoid tipping overBackground * boats using kites for propulsion date back to 12th century in China (see http://www.kitesurfingnow.com/kitesurfing-facts/history-of-kitesurfing.shtml)Reward: A lot of free publicity for California State University, Pomona in advertising, literature, web sites, etc. related to commercial sales of products based on this concept.
Over ten years ago the ultimate fluid drive bicycle was invented by Douglas Brackett. This idea will transform that invention into the ultimate augmented drive cycling machine for commuters by introducing a micro-engine driven hydraulic rotory pump that feeds the same hub motor as does the variable piston pump driven by the pedal cranks. A control/relief valve will govern the top speed to meet legal requirements regardless the engine speed.Reward: The duel independent drive systems will meet Federal requirements for cycling streets and trails w/o any need for license, registration or insurance. The problems this closed system will solve are: exhausting commutes, chain, rear tire and friction wheel excessive wear and maintenance/replacements; bike imbalance due to side mounted engines; and inconvenient adjustments for wet weather conditions. Other rewards include the 200 mpg ecomomy of using a micro-engine as well as its possible application on a fold up bike. An all round happy ride.
Today airline passengers travelling on "low cost" airlines do not want to waste their precious luggage allowance checking in heavy suitcases. Many low cost airlines restrict passengers to exceedingly low permitted weights of check in luggage. Ryanair allow 15 kilo and charge $20+ per kilo for excess. There is a market for a strong ultra lightweight wheeled carrier combined with for an ultra lightweight bag. Ideal would be a "hi tec" folding wheeled carrier which can be used in combination with "check in" and "carry on" luggage. The days of "designer label luggage" could be over if the traveller could opt for a trusted engineering product which would deliver a practical solution to a 21st century problem. Have more ideas about this design.Reward: Contribution to an agreed charity
Build rapid electromagnetic monorail system for passengers and light commercial shipping, using the median space between the lanes. Of course, overpass supports would have to be re-configured and the system would have to be protected by some type of barrier or fence. This project would create thousands of jobs and, when completed, would offer an efficient, clean means of mass transport.
I would like a cart that I can use both on the bus and as a trailer behind my bike. In thinking about this it occurred to me that one could make several different kinds of carrying devices from a few different pieces that could be configured into different frames to support different fabric carriers. Such a device could be configured to make not just a cart and bike trailer, but a stroller, hand cart, dolly, sled and more. Some fabric carriers could be made to be used with more than one frame configuration.The frame pieces would be made of steel tubing, like round metal conduit pipe. I imagine two rectangular pieces with rounded corners and two long and four short straight pieces. The straight pieces would connect to the rectangular pieces and each other with a joint. The joint, made of molded ABS plastic would be two pieces that would be screwed together onto a piece. Something similar to this would be used to attach wheels and swiveling wheels (a must for a cart) or other attachments such as sled runners or even a motorized stair climber (I would really like this attachment). A pin would extend out from the piece into the joint (or wheel base) to keep it from rotating or sliding. The joint would allow the ends of pieces to fit into it securely at three different angles. Pieces would lock into the joint when a pin near the end of the piece would expand into place in the joint. A means of releasing the pin would be incorporated into the joint.The fabric carriers would slide onto or velcro around the pieces before the structure is configured. After all the pieces are locked into place the device would be ready to use.Reward: A free or significantly discounted one.
