Innovations to help ease pain
Twenty Product Design and Innovation and Engineering students showcase their final-year projects at Ngee Ann Polytechnic Our Space.
Last Friday is the last day of the showcase.
SINK
Work for elderly cleaners could some day be less back-breaking, thanks to an idea from a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student.
After noticing elderly cleaners all bent while clearing utensils, Miss Ng Siang Joo came up with a Sink, a tableware collection trolley that would allow for easier cleaning.
Using compression springs, plates placed on the central platform are lowered into the middle and lower tiers.
“I saw a cleaning aunty bend about four to five times a table. Her back was very bent,” said Miss Ng, 19.
The tray collector is slanted at 45 degrees to prevent excessive straining of the user’s back.
An in-built bin compartment prevents leftovers from spilling onto the floor.
“The cleaners will not have to bend their backs when they collect and remove tableware,” Miss Ng said.
She is one of the winners of the Motorola Solutions Foundation award and received a $2,000 cash prize. Her idea is among those featured at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Design and Environment’s Graduation Show 2014.
TRIOC
An idea inspired by pain promises to make injections less traumatic for young diabetic patients.
Miss Rachel Ng Gi Gin, 19, was walking past the Diabetes Clinic at the National University Hospital (NUH) when she saw children crying.
“The kids were scared of the needles,” said Miss Ng.
She recalled her experience when her then seven-year-old sister was warded for H1N1 in 2009. “She wailed when she saw the needle. She had to take three injections daily and a blood test every week,” said Miss Ng.
Her Trioc innovation hopes to make insulin injections for diabetic children less terrifying as it comes in the pastel colours of blue, pink and red.
The needle, which is in a separate container, comes in a bright colour.
There is an insulin window that allows for easy checking of insulin levels so the correct dosage can be delivered.
The Trioc also features an Allen key, which can be inserted into a hole in the dosage button to control the dosage. “These features enhance child-safety,” said Miss Ng.
BLUE RING
In collaboration between the Ngee Ann School of Health and Science and NUH, Mr Li Zhou Yi designed the Blue Ring, a nail clipper with added safety for diabetic patients.
“Diabetic patients run the risk of cutting too deep into their flesh because they can’t see well. This can lead to serious injuries since their wounds can’t heal well,” said the 20-year-old Mr Li.
Fitted with an ergonomically-designed handle, the Blue Ring allows for better grip. A double blade allows users to leave some excess as they trim their nails. For his creation, Mr Li won a Motorola Solutions Foundation award that comes with a $2,000 cash prize
Source: Asia One
Published: 23 Mar 2014
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
