University of Exeter are one of our University Prototyping Partners for Devon and Cornwall as part of our annual engineering competition which asks pupils aged 3-19 ‘If you were an engineer what would you do?’ and encourages pupils come up with creative solutions to real-world problems.

Introduction

University of Exeter will turn Year 4 pupil Gracie’s Worry Watch into a reality with their prototype.

University of Exeter have selected this design to turn into a prototype over the 2023/2024 academic year and it will be unveiled at the Devon and Cornwall Awards Ceremony and Public Exhibition during the Summer term.

They chose this design because mental health conditions affects 1 in 8 of the population and it’s so important to have products or methods in place to help.

Beginning the Prototype

The prototeam have adapted the original design to become a wearable item/teddy bear that can track and utilise common coping mechanisms for those with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.

In the image above, we can see just a snippet of the extensive research and planning that has gone into this prototype. They have even created a Low-Fi teddy prototype!

We can’t wait for the next update on this prototype!

The post University of Exeter creating the Worry Watch first appeared on Primary Engineer.

University of Exeter are one of our University Prototyping Partners for Devon and Cornwall as part of our annual engineering competition which asks pupils aged 3-19 ‘If you were an engineer what would you do?’ and encourages pupils come up with creative solutions to real-world problems.

Introduction

University of Exeter will turn Year 2 pupil Elouise’s Calm Protector into a reality with their prototype.

University of Exeter have selected this design to turn into a prototype over the 2023/2024 academic year and it will be unveiled at the Devon and Cornwall Awards Ceremony and Public Exhibition during the Summer term.

They chose this design because they recognise that there is an increase number of children and adults suffering from hearing sensitives which can lead to learning problems and self-esteem problems and there’s not enough care/products available to help people.

Beginning the Prototype

The team have researched several market options including in ear, over ear, on ear and ear muffs to
limit auditory sensory overload. They have already created a very very low-fidelity prototype.

Their final solution will be 3D printed and mocked up on CAD soon. There are several
sketches provided to highlight the development.

But ultimately want a fully adjustable earplug that is discrete, capable of blocking unwanted
background noise; anywhere from 10% – 95% of unwanted auditory noise eliminated. Utilising a novel
conical shape design, that will rotate and allow for a staggered audio holes to be completely blocked,
partially open or entirely open.

We can’t wait for the next update on this prototype!

The post University of Exeter creating the Calm Protectors first appeared on Primary Engineer.

University of Exeter are one of our University Prototyping Partners for Devon and Cornwall as part of our annual engineering competition which asks pupils aged 3-19 ‘If you were an engineer what would you do?’ and encourages pupils come up with creative solutions to real-world problems.

Introduction

University of Exeter will turn Year 6 pupil Jak’s Anti-Spillable Mug into a reality with their prototype.

University of Exeter have selected this design to turn into a prototype over the 2023/2024 academic year and it will be unveiled at the Devon and Cornwall Awards Ceremony and Public Exhibition during the Summer term.

They chose this design because they identified it’s potential to tackle a multitude of markets and help those with fine motor skill difficulties, sensory needs or lack of engagement at food time.

Beginning the Prototype

The prototeam have done lots of in-depth planning and research with this prototype idea as well as identify real-world problems and come up with creative solutions. Some of their ideas include:

• Gamification to help children eat a balanced diet
• Anti-spill featured plates and cups for those who have fine motor skill difficulties, sensory needs or
  lack of engagement at food time.
• Encouraging those with eating disorders with rewarding behaviour while tracking data to inform
  health professionals.

The prototeam plan on focusing on this product, while also developing multiple other product lines to
become a ‘company’ focussed on providing interactive tableware to aid those who need it.

We can’t wait for the next update on this prototype!

The post University of Exeter creating the Anti-Spillable Mug first appeared on Primary Engineer.