Why not capture the kinetic energy of subway trains and use it to supplement the power the trains consume during startup. The system would operate through a variation of regenerative braking. A flywheel attached to the rail system would harness the energy of trains as they slow for a station, converting it to electrical power. The harnessed power could then be used to give the train a boost to get moving again.

Why not create an application which will use camera equipped dashboard mounted mobile devices to let drivers know the best speed to maintain in order to avoid traffic lights? The application will collect traffic signal data as the car moves about and then will feed it back to a central system, which will allow a larger image of the traffic flow to be created. This information could then be used to tell the driver how quickly they are approaching the traffic signal as well as where...

The idea is to create a motorcycle helmet that can be removed without moving the patient's head. Such a helmet could help to reduce the risk of exacerbating spinal cord injuries. It will be possible to remove the helmet by releasing one pin and two clips, which will allow the front of the helmet to be slipped off. The helmet will be also put on by opening the back and tightening the side ladder clip, which will eliminate the need for a chin strap and provide a better fit.

Cyclists can reduce their fear of flats with a new pump system that uses the compression of the tire upon the ground to pump air into the tube until the optimal pressure is reached. The pump system includes the tire, inner tube, and air valve. A one way valve draws in the air, which goes to the lumen, a small tube in the center of the tire. The lumen is compressed as the tire rolls along the ground, which forces air out of one end and into a second valve on the inner tube,...

Why not create a dual-cable lever for bicycles to allow riders with one hand to control the front and rear brakes on mountain and cyclocross bikes. The lever will be adjusted to engage both brakes at the same time or one a bit after the other. There will also be the option either to place the lever on the left or right side of the handlebar.

The idea is to create a wind turbine powered charging station for electric vehicles. The wind powered station will be also equipped with solar panels and will be able to charge two cars at once, generating about 3.5 million units of energy each year. The improvement in electric car infrastructure will help to alleviate the 'range anxiety' of electric car owners.

Why not develop an automated cashless parking system for use in parking garages? The system will rely on a computer chip attached to the car's windshield that will transmit a unique 12-digit code via radio signal to receivers on the ceiling of a parking garage. The garage receivers will track when the car enters and leaves the garage, and bill the driver accordingly. The code will not contain any personal information, so hacking won't be a danger, and the chip will be unusable if...

Why not create a canoe which can be folded to fit in a backpack and weighs a little. The single passenger canoe will be made of a carbon fiber frame and a hull made of the same material as that used in racing sails. Locking mechanisms will secure the telescoping framework poles at bow and stern and a center folding mechanism will hold the boat firm in the middle. Such a canoe could be useful for forestry workers and hikers.

The idea is to develop a new ECG detecting steering wheel. The steering wheel's sensors will detect abnormalities in the driver's heart rhythm, alerting the driver through a display monitor. The system will include a monitor on the in-car navigation system that will display a chart of the driver's heartbeat and electrocardiogram, allowing the driver to keep constant tabs on their heart rhythm.

The idea is to have a bicycle lock you can wear, eliminating the need to carry a heavy lock around your shoulders or on your bike frame where it can feel clumsy and cause scratches. It will be the first bike lock specifically designed to be worn on the body. The lock will be adjustable and easy to remove, in contrast to conventional bike locks which must be locked onto the body in order to be secure. The lock will be made to carry its weight on the user's hips and will have highly...