Soccket
By Tori Womble and Rachel Wiggins
Soccer Ball Generates Energy for Light
Background
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Project launched February 26, 2013
Began production December 2013
Created by Harvard students: Jessica Lin, Julia Silverman, Jessica Matthews,
Hemali Thakkar
Geared towards developing countries
Used to produce a light in countries that are not exposed to electricity, or where
electricity is not common
Wanted to create something “FUN”- not a reminder of something the user lacks
Used kerosene lamps in underdeveloped communities
What is Soccket?
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The energy-harnessing soccer ball
Portable generator 30 minutes to
one hour of play can power the
lamp for 3 hours
Uses rotational movement to
generate energy
Play to energize
Original Design
<http://www.brit.co/soccket/>
What is it Made of?
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- Recyclable EVA foam
- Recyclable plastic
- Li-on battery
- Metal gears and motor
- Zinc pendulum
<http://unchartedplay.com/collections/shop/products/the-soccket-ii-blue>
How it Works
Play with the product like you would a normal soccer ball. Dribble it, kick it, and
throw it, the SOCCKET then takes all of the kinetic energy from rolling around and
converts it into electrical energy. It works similarly to a bicycle generator or windmill.
Includes:
● pendulum
● DC motor
● pcb
● rechargeable lithium ion battery
As the ball rolls, the pendulum turns the DC motor, which then charges the battery.
There is a plug compatible with a DC adaptor, which allows either a phone to charge
or the lamp.
First Design vs. New Design
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Powers one LED Lamp
Inductive coil mechanism, like a shake-tocharge flashlight
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<http://unchartedplay.
com/collections/shop/products/the-soccket-iipink>
Powers large lamp with multiple LEDS
g-Kick gyroscopic technology
max: 24 Volts
The operating range of the battery is 2.71 to
3.61 volts.
special circuitry that limits the maximum
and minimum charge so that the battery
itself will last longer
Less weight- more like a soccer ball
95% recyclable
How to get a Soccket
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Kids from disadvantaged
communities can “earn” a soccket
by participating in NGO
programs, which are the partners
of the Soccket brand. Or they can
buy a cheaper version from bulk
sales.
Those in wealthier areas may buy
the Soccket online at
uncharteredplay.com for $99.
<http://unchartedplay.
com/collections/shop/products/the-soccket-ii-green>
Issues
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Material color fades and scuffs quickly
Not durable
Not used to charge other electronics fully
Not efficient
Expensive
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$99.00
http://unchartedplay.com/collections/shop
Has to be a DC plug
Benefits
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Creates awareness about the energy problem
Physical activity
It’s part of a game, both children and adults can have fun while providing energy
Creates Light
Portable
Environmentally friendly
Kids: Joy and ambition
Educational Tool
Users are able to stay up during dark hours and be productive
Goals/ Improvements
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Durability of Material
Make the same technology for other sports
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Buy one, give one
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Jump Rope, Basketball, Baseball, Football
much like TOMS
Revise the DC socket so that other plugs may be used
Conclusion
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The goal is more so about having fun, not creating the most efficient product
Spread awareness of energy
Currently revising and creating new ideas to harness energy
Use buyers from wealthier areas to provide for those in disadvantaged areas
Harnesses energy from play
Questions?
References
"SOCCKET: The Energy-Harnessing Soccer Ball." Kickstarter. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/unchartedplay/soccket-the-energy-harnessing-soccer-ball>.
Temple, Anjelika. "Soccket: A Soccer Ball That Harnesses Energy." Brit + Co. Brit Media, 8 Mar. 2013. Web. 2
Nov. 2015. <http://www.brit.co/soccket/>.
"Impoverished Kids Love the Soccer Ball That Powers a Lamp." Public Radio International. N.p., 2015. Web. 2
Nov. 2015. <http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-08/impoverished-kids-love-soccer-ball-powers-lamp
until-it-breaks>.
"Bright Idea: The Power-Generating Soccer Ball." Popular Mechanics. 23 Sept. 2011. Web. 3 Nov.
2015.<http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a7273/soccket-the-power-generating-soccer-ballis-ready-to-go-global/>
Wyatt, Ben. "The Power of Soccer: A Ball That Charges Your Cell Phone." CNN. Cable News Network, 6 July 2010. Web. 30 Oct.
2015.<http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/07/06/sepp.blatter.football.cell.phone/index.html>