One Giant Knee-Bend for Mankind

http://www.gizmag.com/pizzicato-knee-joint-energy-harvester/22933/

Get ready for brilliance.  Scientists at the United Kingdom’s Cranfield University, University of Liverpool, and University of Salford have developed a device that converts knee movement into electricity.

Please excuse this long and technical quotation:

“Known as the pizzicato knee-joint energy harvester, the device fits onto the outside of the knee.  It is circular, and consists of a central hub equipped with four protruding arms, surrounded by an outer ring bearing 72 plectra (a plectrum is a plucking tool, such as a guitar pick).  The ring rotates about a quarter of a turn with every bend of the knee, causing the plectra to pluck the arms.  This causes the arms to vibrate (not unlike a guitar string), and it’s those vibrations that are used to generate electrical energy.”

Presently, the device can harvest two hundred milliwatts of power.  More startlingly, researchers forecast an eventual capacity that can power a GPS tracking system.

Though the device is currently targeted at overladen soldiers who lug hefty batteries in hostile places and harsh climates, I foresee the grander implications of this technology.  If such a product were commercialized and sold to consumers, we could literally power our own lives.

The word “amazing” is overused and has therefore lost its potency.  However, if the term were only uttered in response to scenes and situations that authentically “amaze,” I assure you it would cross my lips right now.

With the excess of cell phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, and other gadgets, we plug more items into our sockets than in years past.  Moreover, we overcharge devices and waste further electricity.  With energy harvesters like this one, we could, as a population, do a little damage control.

Though I appear to be a technology-scorner, I am, at this moment, disproving the generalization.  This is the kind of technology I appreciate.  This is the kind of technology the world needs.  The invention features no screens, no apps, and requires no bedazzled cases.  It simply and efficiently achieves its straightforward goals of function and responsibility.  No flourishes, no adornments, no campaigns.  This is prudent, society-advancing, revolutionary technology that proves the greatness of man and affirms our status as evolved beings who rightfully and purposefully inhabit this planet.