Aqueduct Mobile Filtration Vehicle

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The first Innovate or Die Pedal Powered Machine contest challenged inventors to build machines that use human power to generate energy for useful purposes. A panel of judges evaluted 102 entries for environmental impact and design. The grand prize winner was the Aqueduct Mobile Filtration Vehicle, submitted by five California-based design students, Adam Mack, Brian Mason, John Lai, Paul Silberschatz, and Eleanor Morgan.

The Aquaduct is pedal powered vehicle that transports, filters, and stores water for the developing world. A peristaltic pump attached to the pedal crank draws water from a large tank, through a carbon filter, to a smaller clean tank. The clean tank is removable and closed for contamination-free home storage and use. A clutch engages and disengages the drive belt from the pedal crank, enabling the rider to filter the water while traveling or while stationary.

The Grand Prize came with a $5,000 award and bicycles from the sponsors. Now let's see if a manufacturer wants to take up the challenge of mass-producing these for the Third World countries who need them -THAT will be an even bigger challenge!

You can see the other finalists and entries at Innovate or Die.