The Gift of Invention design challenge has ended, producing four life-changing designs using Designspark Mechanical 3D modeling software from RS Components (UK) and Allied Electronics (US) .
The challenge was to produce a life-changing design within the 48 hour time period using Designspark software and rapid prototyping equipment (3D printers) to bring it to realization. Four teams of designers from varying backgrounds gathered in the UK. Here are the previous engineering.com entries for more detail on the competition.
· DesignSpark Mechanical: Free and Easy 3D Modeling for All Engineers
· Designspark Mechanical Design Challenge
Now for a quick review of the designs and the teams and that produced them.
Team Baylis
Wisse Hettinga (Elektor), Roland Nuiten (3M), Kristoffer Engdahl (Arduino), David Cole (RS Components), Craig Williams (Schneider Electric), Justin Hendrickson (SpaceClaim), and Trevor Baylis (Trevor Baylis Brands plc)
Design Summary: Carrot Top, a device that simply automates plant watering while preventing over-watering and minimizing waste.
Team Kao
Adrian Bowyer (RepRap Pro), Peter Kelly (SpaceClaim), Michiel Boermans (TE Connectivity), Tien Pham (Arduino), Bertrand Cressent (Traceparts), and Ada Ajoku (Schneider Electric)
Design Summary: LockShox, a smart lock for bike security that will encourage more people to ride because they can feel safer securing their bike by integrating an audible alarm and an immobilization system.
Team Tesla
Jude Pullen (Dyson), Clemens Valens (Elektor), Richard Gledhill (Hitex UK Ltd), David Pike (RS Components), Tareq Abdulqader (Schneider Electric), and Wolfgang Lehnhardt (3M)
Design Summary: Two Bottle Water Filtration, a convenient and portable water filter system using standard plastic bottles to be used in the event of natural disasters.
Team Babbage
Armand Kerckhoffs (TE Connectivity), Anthony Middleton (Converter Technology), Martin Revell (SpaceClaim), Alfred Schallert (Traceparts), Zaid Takolia (Schneider Electric), and Simon Holt (RS Components)
Design Summary: Babbarator, an energy generation device that uses pedal power by mounting a disc on the spindle of a bike to generate electricity for charging smartphone and tablet batteries.
Let the voting begin! To decide the winner, cast your vote here by liking a design. Remember, Designspark Mechanical is a free download and you can grab the design files from the competition in the partner projects tab to print your own 3D copy of the designs or make modifications and post back to the site for others to peruse.