Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
h a l f b a k e r y
A hive of inactivity

idea: add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, random

meta: news, help, about, links, report a problem

account: browse anonymously, or get an account and write.

user:
pass:
register,


                                           

Please log in.
Before you can vote, you need to register. Please log in or create an account.

Running wings

Making people lighter while they run
  (+4)
(+4)
  [vote for,
against]

A wing suit (don't think basejumping wingsuit) worn while running designed to seemingly reduce the weight of the runner while running while still keeping the runner on the ground.

The wings would use swivels and a harness to mount at roughly shoulder level. A system of flaps would open to reduce lift at the right time so the runner doesn't actually become airborne.

bammin, Sep 15 2013

Cars_20with_20a_20wing_20for_20mpg [spidermother, Sep 17 2013]

Velocipede http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velocipede
[spidermother, Sep 17 2013]

Kammbackpack Kammbackpack
[scad mientist, Sep 17 2013]

[link]






       But is using energy to make yourself lighter an efficient trade-off? Small wings might increase stability, but I doubt they would allow any increase in speed or endurance. Ithink the extra weight and air resistance would make this pointless.
neutrinos_shadow, Sep 15 2013
  

       Runners typiclally like to be unencumbered. But I've always though about a shoulder mounted box with wings in it. It would be pretty light and would be carried on the shoulders, and would also be attached to your helmet. Running might not lift your body off the ground but you would feel a stretch in your back. Might be good for posture.
rcarty, Sep 15 2013
  

       This would have the effect of having to push off harder while not having as much traction.   

       However the world needs more flying people so [+]
FlyingToaster, Sep 16 2013
  

       Maybe get really complex and have the wings flex opposite to increase traction on the footfall and then immediately reverse the flex to assist the rising or forward motion of the body. It think its called flapping? ;p
bammin, Sep 16 2013
  

       neutrinos: you might not get better endurance or speed but could the wings reduce the force applied to joints?
bammin, Sep 16 2013
  

       I wonder if shoulder pads with canards would create just enough downforce for tight ends and receivers to pull more extreme maneuvers without slipping.
Alterother, Sep 16 2013
  

       This should involve energy storage -- like put the wings on springs.   

       Oops, what <bammin> said
JesusHChrist, Sep 16 2013
  

       I think this might work. The best wings are a bit less efficient than the best wheels, but wheels are much more efficient than human legs. I would therefore expect that this would be less efficient than a velocipede, but more efficient than wingless running.
spidermother, Sep 17 2013
  

       knees [+]
pertinax, Sep 17 2013
  

       How strict are the regulations for what runners wear in the Olympics? The trend has tended towards streamlining, but is there anything that says the clothes can't have small wings or fins? For a sprinter I would imagine maybe some kind of fins sticking off the forearms for providing more power from the arms. For a marathoner, maybe enlarged shoulder pad's to achieve a small amount of glide effect. Maybe even just air scoops in front of the shoulders that inflate while running and direct the air half-way down the back. You could claim it's for ventilation/cooling, but it might also provide some lift, though the poor lift:drag of that type of wing might do more harm than good.
scad mientist, Sep 17 2013
  

       Well we half-baked wearable fairings for cyclists. See Kammbackpack link.
scad mientist, Sep 17 2013
  

       @flyingtoaster - if the wings could collapse as the jogger moves up, then there would be less resistance. Then the contraption unfolds on the way down, increasing the resistence.
lawpoop, Sep 21 2013
  

       ah i see; I had it pictured as a static wing: likey.
FlyingToaster, Sep 21 2013
  

       //I wonder if shoulder pads with canards would create just enough downforce for tight ends and receivers to pull more extreme maneuvers without slipping.//   

       I had never realized that American 'football' was a game so rich in double entendres.
MaxwellBuchanan, Sep 21 2013
  

       Well, I think it's nice that those boys make the effort to look smart. Suits hang so much better with a little extra substance in the shouldral area.
MaxwellBuchanan, Sep 21 2013
  

       That's what we'd heard.
MaxwellBuchanan, Sep 21 2013
  

       // I had never realized that American 'football' was a game so rich in double entendres. //   

       Oh, right, because there's absolutely _nothing_ homoerotic about rugby.
Alterother, Sep 21 2013
  

       Rugby is very popular in Wales.
MaxwellBuchanan, Sep 21 2013
  
      
[annotate]
  


 

back: main index

business  computer  culture  fashion  food  halfbakery  home  other  product  public  science  sport  vehicle