The hand-cranked spinning wheel, popularised by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, has now been given an electronic tweak to transform it into a hi-tech gadget.
NEW DELHI: Light, action and entertainment! The hand-cranked spinning wheel, popularised by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, has now been given an electronic tweak to transform it into a hi-tech gadget that not only produces yarn but also light a bulb on demand and is can even power a transistor radio.
Called the 'e-charkha,' the invention by a Bangalore-based engineer is an ordinary charkha fitted with a battery and connected to a LED light. The energy produced by the charkha while it is being spun is used to charge the battery attached to the bottom of the spinning wheel and the power thus generated can power up a LED light used in home lamps.
The maintenance-free lead battery fixed to the charkha functions as an inverter, and charges itself from the energy generated when the charkha is spun.
"The big spinning wheel is connected to a generator and using the charkha for approximately two hours can generate enough power to light up an LED bulb, or to play a small transistor radio for around 6 to 7 hours," says Hiremath, an engineer who has patented the invention.
Launched formally by the President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the function in the capital recently the gadget has won approval of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, which is planning to induct two lakh pieces across Khadhi
weaving centres across the county.
The engineer, whose company Flexitron, has patented the invention says, "In remote areas of the country, uninterrupted and regular electricity is still a dream. The charkhas will help boost the income of the weavers in rural and far-flung areas as well as break the monotony that they are accustomed to. They can listen to the radio while they spin."
Priced at Rs 3,000 per unit, the 'e-charkha' is cost effective too, he says adding, "The LED light unlike ordinary bulbs does not wear off easily and can be used for at least 30 to 35 years. Also, the battery is an easy maintenance one and uses the latest 3 phase AC generator technology to produce electricity, so even this can be used for over 30 years."
"The user will be very happy as compared to the investment the returns are high. We have aimed the product at users in the country's deepest and poorest villagers who have no or erratic power connections. This I think is an unique solution for providing light, income and entertainment," say Hiremath, who has given up a career in engineering and found his vocation in developing products for the disabled.
The sale of e-charkhas through KVIC outlets is part of the Government's scheme for enhancing productivity and competitiveness of the khadi industry. Several steps like overhauling, repairing and replacing obsolete equipment as well as providing assistance to product and design development among others are being pursued by the Government.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}