Human Powered 3D Printer

November 7, 2016 by kris de decker Filed Under: 3D printers, Human power, Random

human-powered-3d-printer

The Trophy is a 3D Print Machine, consisting of an Ultimaker 3D printer and a stationary bicycle to power it. Pierre-Clement Niviere designed it to make people aware of the high energy consumption of printing a 3D-object, criticising a technology that’s usually presented as an environmentally friendly way of production. The set-up also involves the maker in the creation process, raising questions about how 3D printing is changing making.

See it in action. Previously: Mechanical 3D-printer. Thanks to Pim Rooymans.

Vertical Walking

October 29, 2016 by kris de decker Filed Under: Human power

vertical-walking-stairs“Even as our cities get more crowded and its buildings get taller, it seems that we have yet to find a more energy efficient way to navigate this high-rise environment. Right now, our options are limited to stairs, escalators, and elevators—all of which are expensive, require constant maintenance, and take up a lot of space.

Enter Rombout Labs and their concept of “vertical walking.” Their technology is designed to allow humans to move between building floors without the need for any sort of power supply, also using less effort than we would if we were using stairs, and making optimal use of available vertical space.

“By using harmonious movements and smart materials, only 10% of the effort of walking stairs is needed to bridge multiple floors. This not only provides a solution for the growing number of people who are unable to take stairs, but moreover offers new possibilities for urban architecture,” they explain on the Dutch Design Week website, where the system is currently featured.”

See & read more: New Futuristic Prototype Replaces Stairs and Elevators for ‘Vertical Walking’.

Human Powered Level Luffing Crane

March 26, 2016 by kris de decker Filed Under: Cranes & lifting devices, Human power, Random

level luffing lever crane 1870

“An French illustration from 1870 shows us the unusual ways in which hand-driving lifting devices were used in the period. Push carts almost two metres long were lifted to 9.2 metres by hand cranks via an 11.5 metre long luffing lever, also operated by a worker, and then pushed further along a wooden path to a tipping point. This daring construction was almost 18 metres tall.”

Find the complete illustration here. Source: “Portefeuille économique des machines, de l’outillage et du matériel“, December 1870, Bibliothèque nationale de France. Text: “The History of Cranes (The Classic Construction Series)“, Oliver Bachmann,1997.

Hand Crank Marble Machine

March 3, 2016 by kris de decker Filed Under: Art, Human power, Musical Instruments

low-tech music“The Wintergartan Marble Machine, built by Swedish musician Martin Molin and filmed by Hannes Knutsson, is a hand-made music box that powers a kick drum, bass, vibraphone and other instruments using a hand crank and 2,000 marbles.”

Read more at Wired: Wintergatan’s ‘Marble Machine’ makes music with 2,000 marbles.

Knapp Double Wheel Generator

September 8, 2015 by kris de decker Filed Under: Engines & Motors, Human power, Toys

knapp double wheel generatorFound at Live Auctioneers. Description: “Painted cast iron original double wheel generator to provide the power to Knapp model trains and trolleys.  In talking to various collectors we feel this is the first Knapp toy train generator to have surfaced and it is in near perfect state. The top of the motor sports the Knapp name plate; this piece appears in the 1908 Knapp catalog 16″ l. , 12″ t.” [Read more…]

Human Powered Ferris Wheel

March 14, 2015 by kris de decker Filed Under: Gravity Powered Machines, Human power

human-powered-ferris-wheel

You could power a ferris wheel with pedals and cranks — but these guys add gravity & guts to the power mix. The human powered ferris wheel. Picture credit: Dirty Wall Project. Thanks to Giuliana Fornaciari.