Kinetic, Solar-Charing Suitcase
Pluggage is a prototype for a carry-on suitcase featuring a built-in battery/inverter and solar panel. Thus, it charges both as it rolls and picks up direct sunlight. The bag was created by ITP student Ohad Folman, who spent 3 months tricking out a Burton Wheelie Flight Deck rolling suitcase with a Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 external battery pack, a stepper motor , multimeter to display battery life, and a Burton SolarRolls panel capable of generating 4.5 watts. The battery, says, Ohad, will charge within ~2 hours of walk time assuming an average walking speed between 2-5 kilometers/hour. A full charge should power a laptop for about 1.5 hours, depending on the make/model. Unfortunately, Ohad has had a heck of a time getting manufacturers like Samsonite to even check out his invention. Hence, he’s hoping to license the tech to a smaller luggage/travel company: I would envision this piece to retail for $400 to $550 depending on the model (with flexible solar capability or without). The kids model would probably be cheaper (around $250) and the bare-bones (for those who already have a carry-on case) and are interested in the kinetic capabilities would be around $300. I’m working on making the kinetic mechanism removable (like a tape cassette) so it can go through air port security easily (the kinetic mechanism can be scanned separately). I’m also working on hand release switch that will enable the user to remove the friction between the motor and the wheels in situations where the user needs to rush somewhere and does not want to have to deal with any level of friction. I’d buy one. Previously: Review: GoBe Solar Briefcase & Power-Hub The Chairman: a cellphone - Boing Boing Gadgets Rocking Horse cellphone charger Power Pump cellphone charger ready for glastonbury Brando Multi Solar Charger review (Verdict: Avoid) - Boing Boing … Suitcase full of bacon triggers airport bomb detectors Continental Baggage Handlers Stealing Gadgets from Luggage - Boing …
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Kinetic, Solar-Charing Suitcase
