Design engineers are nothing if not homebrew gadget freaks, which is why we created this eponymous column just for them.
A tour through our best-of for the almost-ended year reveals a host of interesting projects, ranging from a timely Christmas light controller to jet engines made out of junk and a 3D tic-tac-toe game.
So click the image below to scroll through our slideshow of "best of" Gadget Freak projects, and, no, that's not Justin Timberlake hoisting the beer mug:
Got to admit it, I laughed out loud going through this slide show of the top 2011 Gadget Freaks. What a fun ride. And to think each one of the Gadget Freaks comes with a BOM, schematic and build instructions. You can actually make these in your home.
I have to admit, I laughed out loud at the Justin Timberlake comment - wonder how many engineers in our audience got the reference. =)
One thing that has been on my mind for several months concerning our monthly Gadget Freak feature is this: What percentage of our readers actually try to build the gadget? If you are one of them, let us know!
I definitely can see the JT resemblance--how funny. But beyond the beer pong, my personal favorite was the e-volvo manned electric helicopter. That's one strange looking gadget and not one I'd want to personally test, but ... looks like some serious ingenuity!
As content director of Design News, I'd like to invite readers who enjoyed this article to register for the site (here) and also to send me any suggests for stories, including potential Gadget Freaks. Write to me at alex.wolfe@ubm.com
It's hard to beat the e-volo, but I do like Turbo Dave's jet engine, made from $85 worth of junk parts. Our Department of Defense procurement people need to talk to Dave.
Necessity is really the mother of invention. But it is also the telling proof of man's desire to highlight his existence. Engineering is indeed making the world a better place to live. These GF projects send that message that there is light always at the end of the tunnel. This is a must watch for all the budding engineers...!
Yes, necessity is the mother of invention. But I have to admit that I'm scratching my head as to the necessity behind the e-volo. Great design, but this may be the exception to the necessity rule.
Charles, necessity here is the engineering desire. I agree with you on the necessity aspects of some of the projects, ,but then that is nothing but an attempt to stretch the limits of possibilities..!
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