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MIT Team Creates Shock That Recharges Your Car

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-up dept.

An anonymous reader writes "If you had a GenShock, you may not mind those potholes in the road any longer because this new prototype shock actually harvests energy from bumps in the road to save on fuel. A team of students at MIT have invented a shock absorber that harnesses energy from small bumps in the road, generating electricity while it smooths the ride more effectively than conventional shocks. Senior Shakeel Avadhany and his teammates say they can produce up to a 10 percent improvement in overall vehicle fuel efficiency by using the regenerative shock absorbers. They also already have a lot of interest in their design, specifically the company that builds Humvees for the army are already planning to install them in its next version of the Humvee."

11 of 281 comments (clear)

  1. Repair the roads or fuel our cars? by feedayeen · · Score: 5, Funny

    Looks like MIT just gave us a little picklet, will we repair our roads or use the potholes to power our cars?

    1. Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars? by daniorerio · · Score: 5, Funny

      I wonder if the 10% improvement in fuel efficiency only counts for roads in Boston, how about cities with decent roads?

    2. Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars? by txoof · · Score: 2, Funny

      Doh! 6' wide. Foot, not inch. Foot.

      --
      This one's tricky. You have to use imaginary numbers, like eleventeen... --Hobbes
  2. Perpetuum mobile by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is this actually legal since it hurts the oil industry ?

  3. For the first time in history. by jellomizer · · Score: 4, Funny

    Cars are brought back to their parents on prom night with a full tank of gas.

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  4. Re:I already said that... by drinkypoo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've been saying for 5 years now that we should use all the available energy to power electric cars.

    I've been saying it for ten! Where the fuck have you been?

    I think that this is the way of the future, and MIT did one step.

    Now if they take one step back, and one step forward, and one step back... they're doing the cha-cha.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  5. On my bed by mrops · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wonder if I can have this on my bed.

    Honey, I know you have a headache, but think of the planet.

  6. pedestrians beware by JonTurner · · Score: 4, Funny

    OTOH, if you're running low on fuel/power, just cruise up onto the sidewalk and mow down a few unsuspecting pedestrians. *KaThumpKaThump* *KaThumpKaThump* Presto! Enough juice to make it home (after a quick run through the carwash, of course). Thanks, MIT!!

  7. Re:1st law of thermal dynamics says . . . by GameMaster · · Score: 2, Funny

    As such, it'll only be practical on rough terrain, poor quality roads, or when you intentionally drive over potholes . . .

    Or people, don't forget people.

    --

    Rules of Conduct:
    #1 - The DM is always right.
    #2 - If the DM is wrong, see rule #1
  8. Re:You are kidding arent you? by SCPRedMage · · Score: 3, Funny

    TROLL FIGHT!

    --
    My sig can beat up your sig.
  9. Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars? They by davidsyes · · Score: 2, Funny

    will be on the lookout for new shocking disc-recoveries?

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"