Frappe Valve Assembly Mechanical Press Kyle Royer, Broc Pittenger, Michael Koh, David Few, Logan Dobrovich - Ohio University SW Resources, Parkersburg, WV The Frappe Valve Assembly is a mechanical press designed for the assembly of a three part liquid dispensing valve that is used in McDonald’s frappe dispensers. This device makes it possible to assemble multiple valves simultaneously, reduces the required strength and physical, repetitive strain on the employees, and increased productivity for employees with severe disabilities by 200%.
SECOND PLACE - $5,000
Easyshrink Heat Gun Safety Device Michael Chao, Ian King, Esther Lee, Shengnan Xiang - Duke University OE Enterprises, Hillsborough, NC
The Easyshrink Heat Gun Safety Device creates a safe and efficient approach for employees to shrink wrap nutritional supplement bottles. The device contains the heat gun from its users within a wooden insulating box. The bottle is set into place and the operator presses a single button which activates the heat gun and motorized turntable for a preset time interval. The device reduces the chance of burn injuries, increases output quality and provided a reported increase in productivity by 180%.
Community Workforce Solutions (CWS), Raleigh, NC The Box Assembly and Channel Tube Production Device streamline the assembly of a cardboard box from a flat pre-scored cardboard template and affix the adhesive tape. The device is a multi-part design: the box folding assistant is designed to simplify of the box folding task and the turntable cutting device is intended to increase the ease with which the clients cut and place the tape.
The Knee Stabilization Joint (KSJ) allows for more flexibility and a more natural range of motion than a traditional leg brace, thus enabling a more natural gait.
This device helps open a thin plastic bag, and hold the bag open so workers can insert the contents using one hand. Work went an average of 30 seconds faster, increasing the productivity of each person by 15%.
The Kit includes a crimping tool, wedge tool, housing and stand. The kit enables people with limited manual dexterity to quickly complete the contact block assembly, a component of a switch package for large pipeline valves.
2008 Winners
2008 award winning students and partners were recognized during the June 2008 Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC. The top award was given students from California Polytechnic State University for designing the “Napkin Roll Assist”, a device that they designed in collaboration with VTC Enterprises, Inc., in Santa Maria, CA. The second place award was given to a graduate student at the University of Washington’s for the computer application VOICE DRAW. The third place award was given to a team of students from Trinity University who partnered with Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, in San Antonio, TX to design adaptations to a riding lawnmower.
