for everyday life. Worldwide, bicycles are the major form of non-polluting transport of people and goods. The key element making the tetrahelical connecting rod or crank design efficient is based on the unique tetrahelical structure that is not straight but curved. Traditional straight bicycle cranks transmit the energy from the top pedal straight down to power movement. When the straight bicycle crank is perpendicular to the desired movement (top dead center) there is no movement at all and the pedal has to be advanced slightly before the energy can power movement. This loses pedal height thus loses energy. The tetrahelical crank transmits energy differently, not straight down but is off-set by the “unzipping angle” of 7.4 degrees. This small difference exemplifies the Trimtab principle, a small difference can make a big effect. The tetrahelical connecting rod is a breakthrough because it replaces the current straight connecting rod or crank that has been used for thousands of years. Not only does the tetrahelical connecting rod provide a new design but more importantly a new way of looking at an old problem. The tetrahelical geodesic design puts a new curve in contemporary straight line thinking. In this complex and interconnected world, efficient use of energy is critical. The increased efficiency of the tetrahelical connecting rod is desirable for use in developed areas with internal combustion car engines as it is in underdeveloped areas with bicycles.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

The tetrahelical designed connecting rod/crank is in a preliminary stage. I am the inventor and sole owner. The concept has been documented (US and international patent applications), models have been made and preliminary testing has been done. This testing indicates at least an 8% increase in efficiency per half revolution (the bicycle crank can produce power both during the down and upstrokes).

There has been difficulty convincing people the world is not flat and the curved tetrahelical connecting rod/crank can save energy and provide more efficient transportation.

Future refinement of the tetrahelical connecting rod/crank requires building a full scale working prototype and demonstrate proof of concept. The simple designed tetrahelical connecting rod/crank offers the potential for the underdeveloped areas to be taught a “cottage industry”. In the developed areas negotiated licensing of the technology, establishment of manufactures, distribution centers and markets will further development of the product. More importantly, exposure of the tetrahelical connecting rod/crank will inspire others to see a way of thinking that does not follow straight lines. This small change in thinking is full of unlimited possibilities, another form of the “Trimtab principle”

All construction and testing has been conducted with my own funds. I plan to seek private investors and use traditional banking methods, i.e. lines of credit, etc. Manufactures will pay annual fees and license royalties. This plan will proceed but any prize moneys will be used to advance this plan much more expediently. The prize moneys will allow for much faster development of a working prototype, jump start manufacture and pave the way for commercial distribution. Also, the prize moneys can be used in areas of need for teaching the basic principles for making the tetrahelical connecting rod/crank design.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

Energy conservation is the economical solution to energy shortages and a basic requirement for efficient mechanical work. The tetrahelical crank addresses this problem simply, cost effectively, and easily worldwide with current technology.

Transportation is energy inefficient, using a third of all energy production. Developing Asia, will be using 4 times more energy than developed areas. The tetrahelical crank provides a long term impact, world wide with improved transportation efficiency and locally with a “cottage industry”.

Ecologically it's more cost effective to use limited energy efficiently than to increase production. The tetrahelical crank design does this and reflects nature's geodesic design. It uses limited energy efficiently allowing for enhancement of the earth's energy dependent life support systems.

The tetrhahedron, the principle unit of the tetrahelix is seen on the micro- and macro-scopic levels. The tetrahelical crank is based on this same principle, easily able to scale and adapt for a broad range of conditions.

The tetrahelical crank's simple design is easily feasible with current technology and resources.

Its design is a combination of art and science. Its artistic quality may be difficult to verify, but its scientific quality is easily verifiable with current measuring devices.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

I have many years of original medical research and numerous peer reviewed publications. Such work requires diligent and pugnacious tenacity. Currently I am working on an innovative medical device to prevent preterm birth. This new paradigm has never been explored before in medical science.

In a similar manner, the proposal of a tetrahelical connecting rod/crank is also a new paradigm in thinking about efficient use of energy with a simple yet effective design. However, not yet having a full scale prototype only rudimentary methods have been used to validate this strategy of displacing of the top dead center point, thereby permitting more efficient use of available energy. These rudimentary tests with paper and paper-clip models indicate the top dead center point is displaced about 8 degrees. This means that at the maximum hight of the tetrahelical connecting rod/crank the top dead center is displaced about 8 degrees and can produce torque, permitting a more efficient use of available energy.

To date there has been no support for my strategy. Many are still thinking in straight lines and still have flat world thinking even though every day many other geodesic designs show the world is curved.