What would your ideal multi-socket outlet look like? Perhaps it would resemble ‘Solar ddok’ – a hassle-free, portable product that you can use to share electric power with others anywhere (even where there is no access to electricity).
The technology in portable electronics, such as notebook computers, is improving rapidly and they are being used more often. This recent trend has greatly increased the demand for access to power outlets, surpassing the increase in supply. Many users are dissatisfied with the bulky and cumbersome supplementary power equipment (multi-sockets, and so on) that is currently out on the market.
‘Solar ddok’ attempts to alleviate such problems. It adopts a circular shape that efficiently provides a maximum surface area with a compact and slim body. The design idea was based on the external shape of an insect – the Armadillidium vulgare, or “pill bug.” The solution was found in the behaviour of the insect. When excited, the insect rolls itself into a ball from its usual flat shape by bending its armored sections. The idea was that if the socket board could be divided into equal sections with joints that could bend to change it into a circular shape, it would provide an exciting solution to the problems presented by bar-shaped products.
This approach led the way to another possibility – the use of solar energy. Seventy-five to 160 square centimetres of flat surface provides many attractive and flexible possibilities. If this flat surface turns into a solar panel, much needed power can be supplied to electronics in places where no power outlet is available. Although there are some technical obstacles to overcome, this is a perfect added function to this specific type of shape management. Considering recent technological advancements, this is an especially attractive possibility for the near future. |
