Science News

Solar Powered Handbag

Anyone who has spent ages rummaging around in their bag for their keys on a dark evening, usually in the rain, will appreciate a new self-illuminating solar-powered handbag designed by Brunel University's Rosanna Kilfedder. Powered by an internal battery, the bag's electroluminescent lining glows whenever the zip is opened, showing you what's inside, and switches off again after 15 seconds to prevent the battery going flat if the bag is left open by accident. On sunny days the external solar panels help to recharge the battery, which can also be used to run a mobile phone, or even a portable music player. Dubbed Sun Trap, the design has won backing from the Brunel Enterprise Centre and, if all goes according to plan, could be helping people locate their keys, lipsticks, and other things lurking in the bottoms of their bags, within a year.

16th Oct 2005