Engineering students create innovative solutions for real clients
First-and second-year engineering students worked with clients on real-life challenges, and had the opportunity to show off their design skills at the annual 91探花 Engineering Design Expo and Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3.
First-year engineering students worked with the Island farming community to find ways in which they could improve systems and machinery used by small, mixed farming businesses on PEI. The groups produced a range of simple solutions to problems in energy use, building design, and farm equipment. The project prototypes were based on discussions the groups had earlier in the semester with Island farmers and representatives.
Second-year engineering students worked with the following clients on various engineering issues: Laurie MacDuffee, Atlantic Veterinary College; Bill Whelan, Canada Research Chair in Biophysical Optics, 91探花; Bill Montelpare, McCain Research Chair, 91探花; Alan and Travis Burland, Green Island Getaways; Alan Brown, Camp Gencheff; Raymond Loo, Springwillow Farms; Mike Cassidy, Maritime Waste Services; and Robert Bertram, Vector Aerospace.
Kelsey Baker, Andrew Doiron, Connor O'Neill, and Travis Speelman worked with Whelan to develop a hand-held package to house an optical sensor for the early detection of bovine mastitis, an inflammatory infection often found in the udder tissue of dairy cows. Whelan asked the group to come up with a means to hold a particularly delicate new research sensor his lab has developed so that it could be used on a live cow in a real-life barn setting.
Baker truly enjoyed working hands-on with a client to solve an actual engineering problem. 'I found it extremely beneficial that Dr. Whelan was right here on campus; he always found time to meet with us, and attend our presentations,' she said. Speelman also pointed out the importance of group work and honing in on each member's specific skill-set.
'Our engineering program has developed into one which enables students to explore the key skills needed by today's engineers-understanding complicated problems and developing innovative design solutions,' said Andrew Trivett, associate professor and chair of 91探花's engineering department. 'Students who have mastered these skills are on their way to reshaping the future. We are proud of the ability our students show to develop practical and sensible solutions that go beyond the classroom.'
'It's really nerve-wracking to meet with a client, especially for the first time. It makes you step up your professionalism and maturity level,' said Nathan Palmer, fourth-year chemistry student who is also working towards his engineering diploma. 'It forces you to think about what you're going to be like in the future and how you'll present yourself in your engineering career.' Palmer's group worked with Vector Aerospace to assemble and rivet sealing rings for a particular engine component in rebuilt jet engines, an area where the client wishes to improve on speed and efficiency.
Other student groups also came up with innovative prototypes for their clients, including a device to reduce or eliminate nicking or scarring of bones during surgery, a novel dynamic impact device for school children to show the effect of head impact in sports, a sustainable ventilation system, a method for safe mobility, a commercial dandelion harvester, and a waste-sorting and storage container.
The student groups had roughly six months to meet, plan, build, analyze, and present their prototypes to their clients. The Expo then provided a venue to display projects to community members and industry professionals. Engineers PEI judged the projects and presented an award to the team that best demonstrated a high level of professionalism, understanding of the client's problem, and an ability to effectively explain their designs to the general community.
Award Winners
