Rideable Vacuum Cleaner for Adults and Children

Have you ever imagine a rideable vacuum cleaner? Kristina Andersson has! She designs a vacuum cleaner that not only attracts and addresses adults, or rather parents, but also their children. The children are invited to help out with the cleaning of their home in a fun, responsible and inspiring way. The children can ride on the vacuum cleaner and welcomes them to help out during cleaning. At young ages the children only sit on it and ride along, and as soon as they grow older they can take a more responsible part in the tidying of your home, by cleaning some areas themselves. [via]

The WhirlWind Personal Washing Machine

The WhirlWind is a compact washer dryer unit designed by Aidan Barrett. At nearly half the size of a traditional washer dryer it is a lot more appropriate for single people living in apartments. The smaller drum size is suitable for a small load of washing (jeans, t-shirt, jumper, socks, and underpants), and because of this less water and energy is expended in the running of this device when compared to a typical machine.

The water that is used is pumped into a gray water tank. This tank is part of the base operations of this unit and with climate change and the current drought in Australia this was an essential part of the unit. The gray water tank can hold the total amount of water used in 1 load of washing; and when bio-cleaning agents are used this water can be reused or other purposes (eg. watering plants).

The motor of this device is a 3 phase 42-coil direct drive motor. It is brush-less in its operation and can be driven to fast enough speeds for the clothes to dry. At the end of life, this motor can be recovered to create a household power generator (as a wind or water turbine). The motor connects via spline to a shaft, which run along a series of bearings to the inner drum of the washer. [via]

High-Tech Knife Holder and Sterilizer

The Knife Locker by Min Seong Kim is a high-tech knife holder that actually locks your knives in place. Once placed inside, your blade will remain sterile due to the blue ultraviolet rays within. The main point of this is to sterilize the blades, keeping your children safe from viruses and bacteria, and the locking feature is so you don’t pull the blades out when they are being sterilized and possibly damaging yourself with the UV rays. The locker is the perfect item that will keep your children safe in the kitchen, while keeping your cooking game sharp. [via]

Cute Solar-Powered Lunch Box by Edita Barabas

How sophisticated is your lunch box? Edita Barabas have designed the Sunflower Lunchbox, a cute solar-powered appliance that heats and cools food items at the same time. A collapsible petals-like contraption (laced with solar cells) is used to trap the solar energy, which is then stored in an internal battery. With the simple touch of a button, you can then heat or cool down the contents within the individual boxes. It’s an ideal lunchbox for those fussy about eating piping hot food and solid cold drinks!

How Sunflower Lunchbox works? When the lunch box is closed, the compartments are connected to an electrical circuit through three lids for heating and cooling at the same time or separately, depending on the user’s wishes. Once opened, the electrical circuit is broken allowing you to take out the compartments individually and eat! Every pan has its own display through which you can control the heating or cooling your food.

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WAVE: Aesthetic and Ergonomic Dishwasher Design

Wave keeps away from the already worn dishwasher standard, both aesthetic and ergonomically. Its round and fluid contours and its innovating panel concept, in which the user is driven into a flow, following a logic and clear sequence of actions, are the greatest improvements. Wave was also thought to be a water saving appliance, by using steam in the pre-wash cycle, and an accessible product, by the use of reliefs and 2 positions buttons. Its aqua window and optional translucent top are a great for making sure everything is running smoothly. Wave capacity is 3 people/day. [via]