A Square-Wheeled Bicycle And Other Crazy Ideas That Worked

The saying "no need to reinvent the wheel" has taken an amusing turn recently. Imagine a bicycle equipped with square wheels, and surprisingly, it's not an avant-garde art piece tucked away in a prestigious museum. Instead, it serves as a fully functional and everyday means of transportation, gliding seamlessly. The innovation lies in the fact that these square wheels don't rotate conventionally; upon closer inspection, you'll notice that the outer surface of the wheel is equipped with a track. It is this track that moves around the entire frame, creating a unique pedaling experience akin to a treadmill. Interestingly, both the treadmill and these square wheels operate on a similar principle.

Now, let's shift our focus to a peculiar U-shaped robot. What purpose do you think it serves? It turns out to be a new toothbrush developed by a French company named brush. This innovative toothbrush claims to thoroughly clean teeth in just 10 seconds, a significant time saver compared to the recommended two minutes, twice a day by dentists. With 35,000 soft nylon filaments simultaneously brushing all teeth at a 45° angle, this toothbrush has made its mark since its introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2017, now available on Amazon.

Changing the color of your car has traditionally been a time-consuming and intricate process. However, a color-changing car concept, like the BMW I Vision D, presents a solution. This electric sports sedan concept has evolved from a monochromatic design to a diverse array of shades and tints within a year. The I Vision D not only showcases cutting-edge technology such as AI-powered virtual assistance and heads-up displays but also features a full-color version of eink Technology, a remarkable addition to the automotive world.

Moving on to the realm of wearable technology, researchers at the University of California San Diego are developing a wearable device that generates electricity from the sweat on your fingertips. This gadget, which operates while you're typing on your phone or even dozing off, has proven capable of powering an electronic watch for an entire day after being worn for 10 hours.

Color blindness affects millions of people globally, and the enchroma sunglasses have emerged as a revolutionary solution. These glasses utilize lenses that filter out specific light wavelengths, addressing the overlap issue in color perception. Moreover, Oxford University researchers have developed augmented reality glasses to aid individuals with limited vision, offering real-time information about their surroundings for a more confident and enriching experience of daily life.

Addressing the environmental concern of plastic waste, scientists from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague have introduced self-propelling microbots. These microbots, powered by solar energy, target and break down microplastics in the ocean, contributing to environmental cleanup in a visually impactful way.

In the past, various quirky inventions have surfaced, such as a group shaving machine designed to cater to multiple individuals simultaneously. However, its limitations, including difficulties in adapting to different face shapes, led to its eventual fade from popularity. Another historical invention, the mustache guard from the Victorian era, aimed to protect well-groomed mustaches from the hazards of hot or frothy drinks, showcasing the importance placed on facial hair aesthetics during that time.

Finally, exploring tipping culture, an automated tip requester was invented in the 1950s by Russell E. Oaks. This device, equipped with an artificial hand and cashbox, allowed hotel bellhops to secure tips without direct interaction. While it may have added convenience, it also introduced a robotic element to a traditionally personal aspect of service.

In conclusion, the realm of inventions is diverse and constantly evolving, bringing forth solutions to various challenges, whether they be in daily life, healthcare, environmental issues, or even matters of etiquette.