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The Power Play Continues
This is so simple. Continuance is a set of batteries with a USB interface on the side. The batteries are rechargeable plus dole out some juice to stranded gadgets that are starved of power. Handy, compact and a totally do-able concept! Kudos!
Continuance is an iF concept design entry for 2011
Designers: Haimo Bao, Hailong Piao, Yuancheng Liu & Xiameng Hu
161 Comments »
sebastian says
kind of a copy of http://www.usbcell.com/
no?
Kyle says
no, the link you provided shows a battery that can be charged with a usb, this design lets you use the battery to charge a usb device…
owen says
im pretty sure he meant the aesthetic design
@yankodesign says
Not really. The advantage here is the ability to use cables so you're not tethered to just a USB input/output e.g. USB to Apple's dock connector. Many devices are charged thru augmented or proprietary ports. It's similar to the USBCELL but goes one step further.
Namit says
shut up you dont know anything about inventions. I am a mastermind and i can make anything.
Someguy says
Don't they realize this extra circuitry & connector in the battery will cause less capacity ?
With current technology this will have a maximum capacity of 1000mah .
And with the step up converter for the 1,2 V to 5V you will have loss ( around 85% efficiency)
so you will actually have 850mah .
So this won't be enough to fully charge something.
Also when nothing is connected the step up converter will still use energy , so you will get a much higher discharging rate.
Therefore when you actually need the battery it probably will be empty.
When will these 'designers' make realistic concepts , instead of creating something they don't even know or see the downsides of .
Also make a functioning prototype of you're concept instead of always rendering.
Everybody can render something these days , that doesn't say it is actually feasible .
aaron says
Ummm…unless its a li-ion cell, which is 3.7 nominal.
Someguy says
Yeah , but AA batteries are 1.2 V (rechargeable ones ) and 1.5 V for non-rechargeable ones.
So 3.7 would bring more parts to get it to 1.2 V for the battery contacts.
Therefore less efficient then a 1.2 V cell.
dwindle says
These are actually NiMH batteries, 1.2v or so. They would only upstage, not downstage.
Filip says
NiMH Rechargables go up to 1.2V at 3200 mAh. But still… the problem lies in the fact that a typical USB connection is 5V @ ~1000 mAh, so extra power conversion is required (which doesn't fit in the design).
Good try, but no…
Bleh says
ur a HUGE tool…
NOTsomeguy says
it just looks like a AA battery, it's not really a AA stupid
David says
When will these 'viewers' use realistic language, instead of using the wrong words they can't even define correctly.
Also learn the difference between your and you're.
Everybody can type something these days, that doesn't make it correct.
P.S.
You really don't understand how inventions work, do you? This is the first step in a process. If everything you've ever done was good enough at its concept stage, you really need to start doing something worthwhile, because nothing of any value works that way. Pull your head out of your ass.
Inventor says
He's right and wrong though. Current technology allows a 1.2v cell of that size to have a capacity of about 1000mAh, which means it can put out 1.2 watt hours. Stepped up to 5v, ignoring efficiency, which with DC-DC converters can be as high as 95%, this gives about 250 mAh, which really isn't enough to charge things. It's enough to keep them running in a pinch, but not realistically charge them. The concept is great, but impractical. I might suggest stepping up to C or D size batteries, but form factor is everything and nobody would buy a big huge D battery to go with their sleek mp3 players.
haha says
tool looking at peopls grammer and then disregarding they are far superior tooo ur intelect
I <3 spellcheckers says
“tool” – No capitalisation at the beginning of a sentence.
“peopls” – poor spelling/proof reading.
“grammer” – It's spelt “grammar”, it's a good one to remember that one when trying to flame someone about being fussy about spelling and grammar.
“disregarding they are far superior tooo ur intelect” – Seriously, what the f**k happened here? Did you start tea-bagging your keyboard in a fit of rage at the sheer thought of someone using correct spelling and grammar?
David was pointing out, in a rather tongue and cheek fashion, that he has a dislike for people who are too quick to be negative about a concept to the degree that they type carelessly and make bad mistakes. You somehow managed to go full retard and just disregard the English language.
You are obviously not ready to be allowed in to the wilderness that is the internet.
Please turn in your keyboard and Router and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Elise Plyler says
You don't base concepts on what is already possible. If everyone did that, no progress would ever be made. You imagine what you want to be possible and then you work to make it so. Sometimes it works, most of the time it doesn't, but new things are learned so that little steps can be made towards new technology.
That's why innovation is coming to a standstill these days, whether it's movies or music or technology. Everything has to be marketable RIGHT NOW, so instead of creating new ideas, we're rehashing the same old crap.
NOTsomeguy says
who said that this is set by your standards? clearly they've looked this over, I'm sure they're not as dumb as you
A Thinker says
See you are assuming that it is going to be the exact same size as a double and you don't really know that that is the case. It could be larger and have a charger designed specifically for it. Just syaing
Adam says
This is a brilliant idea, hope this kicks off. Anything to help us have less cables/ batteries/ wires is a massive bonus and welcomed by me especially!
yankofan says
Charging batteries using USB seemed to make sense. But the opposite way around? Did you even do any technology research? These concepts just make me laugh. Once again, another concept that makes me sad it received a IF concept award.
dwindle says
This is useful when you need power and dont have access to a computer or wall socket. It's not meant to be a practical way of charging devices.
BURBEARY says
oh so cool
gooooood says
it would be good if it's possible..
eric says
Probably not technically possible, cell capacity would be so reduced and battery life would be short and frustrating for user. Definitely a USBcell rip off. Plus you need a cable with this concept, just what everyone needs and extra cable….
dwindle says
I imagine it can be charged like any other AA battery. But no, it cannot directly plug into a usb without a cable.
len says
a practical version of this concept.
eneloop stick booster http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/11/11/sanyo-rolls-...
zindadilpakistan says
Rechargeable cells does make sense but is it possible to charge a device using these batteries?
James Martin says
I JUST WANNA KNOW IF I CAN BUY THE DAMN THING OR NOT LOL
Mel says
I agree!
jojo says
so its a battery to charge a battery why cant i just plug it in to a car or wall socket is that too hard now
Bobert says
It seems like a nice idea at first, but ultimately its best use would be a rechargeable battery. You can easily find wall/car adapters to charge products that require USB ports. It's a step in the right direction, but I can't picture people carrying a bunch of these batteries everywhere instead of just carrying the standard chargers with them. How often do we find ourselves away from a car or outlet all day?
fajas colombianas says
Now this is something new. What I suggest is to buy a greater memory space
Marie says
that is cool, does it work?
canava pudding says
I'm not gunna lie there's been times where I haven't been by a wall socket with my charger in my pocket and just needed that one more call….s'pose i still need the cable though, meh, probably just wait untill power is beamed around the world wirelessly through the ionosphere via HAARP ( http://haarp.net/ ), chillin!
haha says
tool looking at peopls grammer and then disregarding they are far superior tooo ur intelect
I <3 spellcheckers says
"tool" – No capitalisation at the beginning of a sentence.
"peopls" – poor spelling/proof reading.
"grammer" – It's spelt "grammar", it's a good one to remember that one when trying to flame someone about being fussy about spelling and grammar.
"disregarding they are far superior tooo ur intelect" – Seriously, what the f**k happened here? Did you start tea-bagging your keyboard in a fit of rage at the sheer thought of someone using correct spelling and grammar?
David was pointing out, in a rather tongue and cheek fashion, that he has a dislike for people who are too quick to be negative about a concept to the degree that they type carelessly and make bad mistakes. You somehow managed to go full retard and just disregard the English language.
You are obviously not ready to be allowed in to the wilderness that is the internet.
Please turn in your keyboard and Router and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
smarter than you says
you guys are all as dumb as a box of rocks… except for the guys that mentioned it a "concept" DOIIIII and concepts are made to be improved. When's the last time any of you saw a conceept car pop into circulation right away… mmm NEVER. It needs work, yes, but it's a hella good idea.
smarter than you says
you guys are all as dumb as a box of rocks… except for the guys that mentioned it a “concept” DOIIIII and concepts are made to be improved. When's the last time any of you saw a conceept car pop into circulation right away… mmm NEVER. It needs work, yes, but it's a hella good idea.
owen says
im pretty sure he meant the aesthetic design
FJ2E says
The problem with saying "this is a concept, don't judge it on the limitations of current technology" is that this concept here is the easy part. The hard part isn't coming up with the "crazy" idea of having a rechargeable batter that can adapt USB, it's having one that can work. There are concepts that are basically within current technology yet the concept is really groundbreaking, and there are concepts that would require a more or less complete retooling of existing technology, with the conept being relatively minor. In a lot of ways this design does that. Is it important enough that firms will devote millions if not billions of dollars to redesigning batteries? probably not. The other problem with the design is the usage of big USB itself. It's simultaneously tying itself to a technology that we KNOW will be outdated very soon, while depending on a more or less revolution in battery tehcnology. By the time batteries catch up to this design concept, we won't be using big USB very much, if at all.
Think about it this way, if we could completely redesign batteries so that they could be this efficient, in that small of a space, that would be 1000000000X more useful than a USB charger in the form factor of a rechargeable AA battery. We already have lots of rechargeable portable USB chargers. Sure this would be cool and useful, but nothing major. Having a rechargeable battery that could give off that much power in that little space would absolutely be revolutionary.
This design is like trying to dig up a time capsule, hitting oil, and then being really excited about the time capsule.
FJ2E says
The problem with saying “this is a concept, don't judge it on the limitations of current technology” is that this concept here is the easy part. The hard part isn't coming up with the “crazy” idea of having a rechargeable batter that can adapt USB, it's having one that can work. There are concepts that are basically within current technology yet the concept is really groundbreaking, and there are concepts that would require a more or less complete retooling of existing technology, with the conept being relatively minor. In a lot of ways this design does that. Is it important enough that firms will devote millions if not billions of dollars to redesigning batteries? probably not. The other problem with the design is the usage of big USB itself. It's simultaneously tying itself to a technology that we KNOW will be outdated very soon, while depending on a more or less revolution in battery tehcnology. By the time batteries catch up to this design concept, we won't be using big USB very much, if at all.
Think about it this way, if we could completely redesign batteries so that they could be this efficient, in that small of a space, that would be 1000000000X more useful than a USB charger in the form factor of a rechargeable AA battery. We already have lots of rechargeable portable USB chargers. Sure this would be cool and useful, but nothing major. Having a rechargeable battery that could give off that much power in that little space would absolutely be revolutionary.
This design is like trying to dig up a time capsule, hitting oil, and then being really excited about the time capsule.
egenergy says
I'd like to ditto what was said by Mr-Monopoly, and add that a USB is longer than a AA battery is wide. (At least I'm pretty sure, I don't feel like checking right now.
)
egenergy says
I'd like to ditto what was said by Mr-Monopoly, and add that a USB is longer than a AA battery is wide. (At least I'm pretty sure, I don't feel like checking right now.
)
ibetheman says
the very first $100 battery for your controller
ibetheman says
the very first $100 battery for your controller
trackback says
Its too bad that everybody who knows everything is at home commenting on the internet
trackback says
Its too bad that everybody who knows everything is at home commenting on the internet
pavelrij says
cool
pavelrij says
cool
A Thinker says
See you are assuming that it is going to be the exact same size as a double and you don't really know that that is the case. It could be larger and have a charger designed specifically for it. Just syaing
vishnu says
great one where to get this battery
vishnu says
great one where to get this battery
Dost Muhammad Sherazi says
how is this going to be charged any way ?
Mel says
I agree!
Dost Muhammad Sherazi says
how is this going to be charged any way ?
Jew says
Nice concept and it is very practical for travelers.
Jew says
Nice concept and it is very practical for travelers.
Matt says
Make me a Hoverboard
Jitesh says
Is this in production?
Jitesh says
Is this in production or just a concept?
Perky-o says
That’s really cool seeing how I was just camping and no power in the bush this is the answer to power lol cool
Master Nitpicker says
In an effort to take the pedantry to the next level, one might suggest you not capitalize “Router”, as it is not a proper noun. Also, in your second line, consider capitalizing the “p” in “poor”, for both grammatical and aesthetic reasons.
These minor errors aside, one might agree with your observations.
therightguy says
it’s for travel. A battery is much more compact than a wall is.
Giulia says
How can I buy it?
dochetwas says
“tongue and cheek”
The phrase is “tongue-in-cheek”, I’m afraid.
It was a nice try; you had a good run there, kid. But now you should just go kill yourself, because that’s just goddamned inexcusable.
Haiku Hammock Swings says
Like the idea. Could most definitely come in handy.
Jodan says
You obviously don’t go hiking very much do you?
For me an invention like this would be very practical considering i live outside 75% of the year working on farms. My Ipod dies frequently… Trees don’t have plug-ins.
Shuttur says
This is an amazing idea. Should get it to market!
Property Investment Australia says
Brilliant!!!!….why did this take so long to be invented and come out on to the market place???
Travis says
Am I the only one that thinks its sad that its 2011 and we still use shit like this? I thought we were suppose to have flying cars and teleports by now.
nobax says
nope ur right
bURP says
The battery states 600mA …. bahahahahahaha
Captain Obvious says
HEY PPL!!!! If you actually look closer, it says 3V on the battery. Duh! Now stop fighting like children.
Fijit Friends says
Nice, this looks extremely useful. I wouldn’t mind myself, I’m quite the fan of recharegable batteries, much more conveniant!
bjhl says
you cant charge a psp via usb
james tehaobld says
how dare he corect hour speling or gramer! pompus ashole!
Ben Reynolds says
Cool concept.
trollface.jpg says
1. plug a usbcell battery into this battery.
2. Divide by zero
3. ???????
4. profit.
Mark says
This is a step in the right direction toward USBing my life.
Geenee says
http://www.facebook.com/parkerandtheflowingwow
Worth checking out
Justin says
I love how in the future were we can charge batteries via usb, we have phones that by time standards we have already surpassed! (i.e. the slider shown vs. any smartphone)
Beatriz says
omg,are they already selling this?!
Vincent says
To certain extent, it does looks similar to usbcell. Anyway, a good invention.
thatguy says
“it’s spelt grammar”
well, it’s spelled “spelled”. don’t troll someone else unless you can do it properly.
Rawwhale says
“Spelt” is definitely a word, look it up. Both are right.
FJ2E: “This design is like trying to dig up a time capsule, hitting oil, and then being really excited about the time capsule.”
That’s how I feel about most of the concepts on this site, have you seen the flexible smartphone tablet which is also… wait for a it…. a clear lampshade? hahaha (“Smartphone is super flexi”)
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