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The statistics I've seen (on California[1]) suggest that homeless folks are generally locals, not migrants? But I agree that just providing some usb ports on pu
by blacksmith_tb 3y ago
The statistics I've seen (on California[1]) suggest that homeless folks are generally locals, not migrants? But I agree that just providing some usb ports on public transit (likely also in stations or at stops) would be a low-cost/high-benefit approach. For human-powered approaches, I will say that old OLPC hand crank was a good design, since it clamped to a table or railing, which allowed for clever 'hacks' like hoisting a bucket or water bottle and letting the weight coming down turn the shaft [2]. Still less practical than just plugging in, to be fair.
1: https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/california-homelessness-is-homegrown-university-of-california-research/ https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/california-hom...
2: http://www.olpcnews.com/hardware/power_supply/two_awesome_examples_of_repurposed_olpc_hand_cranks.html http://www.olpcnews.com/hardware/power_supply/two_awesome_ex...
- mulmen 3y agoI would love to see a USB port that can withstand public transit use. Just as a design exercise that would be fascinating.
- blacksmith_tb 3y agoNot an EE, but my gut says "modular, replaceable" would be essential. As they wear out, have drinks spilled in them, etc. someone with only hand tools should be able to pop them out and slot in new working ones (probably with minimal security bolts, just to keep bored riders with pocket screwdrivers taking them apart).
- summarity 3y agoThat’s standard in say Berlin busses. Just a small pod with two connectors. Probably gets replaced once damaged enough.