The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
If you will, close your eyes and imagine our world without clothes, cars, computers, and kitchen appliances; or bicycles, bridges, and backpacks; how about musical instruments, medical devices, or mobile phones; or buildings like your local rec center, hospital, or even Crocker Park.
Designers of all the products we use throughout the day make our lives better, safer, less expensive, and more enjoyable.
Sponsored by Rapid Prototype and Manufacturing LLC (rp+m) in Avon Lake, students in the Westlake High School Technology & Engineering department participated in the Product Design Contest to learn about the process for designing everyday items as well as cutting edge technology in the additive manufacturing industry.
Students were challenged to research, reverse engineer, and re-design the aesthetic and functional components of one of the following existing items for Additive Manufacturing:
- Household product (ex., Swiffer, Curling Iron, Step Stool, Flashlight)
- Kitchen utensil (ex., Pizza Cutter, Tongs, Can Opener, Apple Peeler)
- Garden tool (ex., Rake, Shovel, Tree Pruner, Weed Puller)
- Power or Hand tool (ex., Hammer, Screwdriver, Wrench, Pliers, Cordless Drill)
Each student entry required them to submit an orthographic (top, front, right side) drawing with dimensions, a 3D pictorial (isometric) view, and answer two essay questions. (Describe the benefits of your design; Is the design user friendly & why would someone buy it?)
Representing Westlake High School and making it to the semi-finals was the team of CONNOR REIS (JR.), and HENRY LEVENBERG (SO.). They were one of 6 teams to make out of 18 others from schools all over Northeast Ohio. REIS & LEVENBERG redesigned a portable Step Stool for around the house they called the “SingleStep”. It includes storage and a feature that has a retractable step adding several inches to get to high places.
The next round will be judged on March 5, at which time 3 designs will make it to the finals. After a live presentation by each team, the grand prize winner will be announced on March 16 at the rp+m company headquarters in Avon Lake, OH.
The designs are being judged in several categories including cost effectiveness, ease of use, functionality, creativity, feasibility, and aesthetic appeal. Prizes in the contest include gift cards for the first, second and third place teams. The winner will receive a professional version of their design 3D printed by rp+m.
Judges on the panel include rp+m professionals Steve Speaker (Industrial Design Engineer), Kyle Myers, Ph.D. (Research & Development Engineer), contest organizer Dana Hartup (Project Manager), and Tracy Albers, Ph.D. (CTO & President), and owner Matt Hlavin.
About rp+m: Rapid Prototype and Manufacturing LLC (rp+m) is a unique solutions company that provides clients with leading-edge additive manufacturing technology, engineering expertise, and design innovations to bridge the gap between concept and commercial success. rp+m operates a production facility in Avon Lake, Ohio focused on the additive manufacturing of polymers, metals and ceramics. For more information visit www.rpplusm.com.
