Duraflex Group’s Post

🦾👩🦽One of our #Hackcessible projects last year, John’s challenge, has created a simple and affordable design to improve the quality of life of those using TENs machines for pain and PTSD, such as John!  👨🦽🦾 TENs machines are used worldwide to reduce pain and allow relaxation of muscles in those who struggle with daily issues. The machines are typically small and portable, but it’s very easy to pull on wires or pads and either move the location of electrodes, pull the machine off a table or stand, or even pull out wires entirely. For someone using this machine for chronic pain or PTSD, like John, interrupted usage or damage to the machine can be a major issue. After learning of this challenge at our #Hackcessible event, a team of 9 engineers from the University of Sheffield were ready to take up the task! Together with John, they talked through the main issues and set about planning potential design modifications. The team were acutely aware of the safety implications of modifying a TENs machine, so were careful to only consider mechanical additions to help the machine be held in a safer way. The team designed and iterated a 3D printed casing in order to hold the machine snugly, preventing damage and holding the cables in a way that prevented them from moving when not wanted. The casing was attached to a fabric belt that could be adjusted in size and wrapped around various parts of the body to hold the TENs machine at a convenient location, minimising the likelihood of electrodes and wires pulling between positions. The casing also protected the controls from being accidentally pressed, and the machine inside could be reprogrammed, removed or replaced by opening a simple magnetic latch. 🧲 It’s the simple things that make the difference and we (and John!) love how straight-forward yet effective this design is. 🎉Many congratulations to John’s team, Shohail Ismail, Abdul Zuberi, Adam Ashley, Shadab Mir, Ali Al-Qadi, Swayam Limachya, Akeel Mohamed-Haseem, Habib Ogunbanwo and Ali Arouis, and thanks for all your hard work on the project! 🎉 💡 Want to get involved this year? 💡 Help us organise this year’s events (https://lnkd.in/ew5c8aKc), sign up as a student (https://lnkd.in/eF59y7un) or propose a challenge (https://lnkd.in/eaFD6mTG) ! #TENs #uos #sheffield #PainManagement #assistive #tech #engineering #project #SheffieldUni #InnovationForGood #StudentLeadership #ImpactMatters #Hackathon #InclusivityMatters

Sport Engineering In the field of *sport engineering*, the use of #composite carbon fiber has emerged as a breakthrough innovation for enhancing athletic performance, particularly in increasing running speed. Carbon fiber, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, offers unique properties that can revolutionize how we optimize energy efficiency and performance in athletic activities. When integrated into the *insole* of #running #shoes, carbon fiber acts as a natural springboard. Every step taken by the #runner generates a force that presses the foot downward, and this is where carbon fiber excels. It absorbs energy from the foot’s impact with the ground and then releases it, providing an additional thrust as the foot pushes off. This process allows the runner to utilize energy from each stride more effectively, minimizing energy loss and enhancing acceleration. The lightweight nature of #carbon fiber also reduces the overall weight the runner must lift with each step, meaning less energy is expended on simply moving the foot forward. The combination of reduced load and improved energy efficiency enables runners to maintain higher speeds for longer periods without experiencing rapid fatigue. From a #biomechanics perspective, carbon fiber #composites help optimize the runner's posture and motion. The *insole* provides precise support to the foot, allowing for more controlled and stable movements, which enhances balance and reduces the risk of injury. This results in quicker, more stable, and more efficient movements, whether during training or competition. Overall, carbon fiber technology provides significant improvements in athletic performance. By maximizing energy efficiency, reducing fatigue, and enhancing stability and comfort, carbon fiber has revolutionized the sports world, particularly in running disciplines. This innovation highlights the crucial role of *sport engineering* in bridging advanced technology with human performance. #sportengineering #insole #composites #carbon #itera

PESHAWAR: A young inventor from Pakistan’s northwest has designed “smart shoes” for visually impaired people that warn them with a sound or vibration about any obstacle on their path within a radius of 120 cm. Hailing from the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Wasiullah, the 17-year-old inventor, told Arab News he had entered the world of innovation by repairing and fixing damaged battery-operated toys. “Visually impaired people will no longer need walking sticks or guides after smart shoes acquire popularity,” Wasiullah, who goes by a single name, said. “The shoes are fixed with an ultrasonic sensor and Arduino board to keep blind people safe while they are walking. Such individuals can get a prior notification of any looming hindrance.” Local physics teacher Muhammad Farooq said Wasiullah was his most brilliant student and that he had planned to design a new type of a wheelchair to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings, but that he could not do it due to financial constraints. Budget restrictions did not stifle his inventiveness, though, and when he designed the shoes earlier this year, it was reward for his perseverance. “I still believe he has the potential to emerge as a leading scientist if he gets proper coaching and opportunity,” Farooq said. One such opportunity, which would also help Wasiullah afford higher education in the field of science, could be introducing his invention to the market. “Smart shoes for visually impaired people are available in foreign countries,” Farooq said. “But their prices are beyond the reach for many in this country. The government should own the project because the shoes Wasiullah has made are comparatively cheaper.” Mian Sayed, a social activist from Swat, has seen Wasiullah’s smart shoes and is positive that they could even become an export product. “I knew Wasiullah, who is one of the brilliant students (who) can bring laurels for the country,” Sayed added. “The shoes invented by him can even be exported if the project is owned by the government.” Wasiullah said a pair of his smart shoes could cost about 4,500 rupees ($26), but he would not be able to finance production himself as he also needs to finance his college studies. An opportunity may come from the local government. Sajid Shah, head of the provincial directorate general of science, told Arab News the shoes will soon be evaluated by experts. “After evaluation by our scientists,” he said, “our department will promote the project of smart shoes invented by Wasiullah for commercial purposes.” Source : https://lnkd.in/dqdvPYQa

Engineering: The Unsung Hero of the Olympics Engineering has quietly revolutionized the Olympics, pushing athletes to new heights and redefining the boundaries of human performance. From the equipment athletes use to the stadiums they compete in, engineering plays a pivotal role.   Advanced materials like carbon fiber have transformed sports equipment, making it lighter, stronger, and more aerodynamic. This has led to faster running shoes, more efficient bicycles, and even more precise archery bows. Engineers collaborate closely with athletes to design custom gear tailored to individual needs, optimizing performance and reducing injury risk.   Beyond equipment, engineering has shaped the Olympic experience itself. The construction of colossal stadiums, with their complex structural designs and cutting-edge technology, is a testament to engineering prowess. These venues provide athletes with world-class facilities and create unforgettable atmospheres for spectators. Moreover, behind the scenes, engineers analyze athlete performance using advanced data analytics and biomechanics. This information helps coaches optimize training regimens and pushes the limits of human potential.   As the Olympics continue to evolve, engineering will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, driving innovation and inspiring future generations of athletes. #engineering #olympics #athletics #analytics #paris

DESIGN IS AN ACT OF LOVE The universal truth is that progress is made by, with, and for people. Yesterday I had the opportunity to give a presentation at the Technologiewerkstatt Albstadt. What was it about? The world we live in is being transformed by the technological revolution. The possibilities that were once unimaginable are now becoming a reality.   Trains float like flying carpets. Cars drive as if by magic. Magic! And people fly without engines. Wow!   Energy is harvested. Houses are printed. Genes are edited. And robots can cry.   A black hole was photographed. The voiceless can now speak. And lenses can bring us together online.   Anything seems possible for the first time in history, but is it truly valuable?   However, the technology itself is not useful until it resonates with people and becomes approachable and useful to them. At PHOENIX, we believe that technology can promote innovation and improve the lives and well-being of as many people as possible.   The core question of my presentation was:   "What does success mean to you?" For me, success means to love - to love the people around me, those whom I serve, and the work that I do. A shared love for WHAT you do, WHO you do it with, and who you do it FOR is what makes success truly fulfilling.   Personally, I believe that design is an act of love, a way for people to share their passion and devotion with the rest of humanity by creating something wonderful and sharing it with others.   Thanks a lot to Technologiewerkstatt Albstadt and Daniel Spitzbarth for having me! Great community, great location and great vibe.

Over the holiday, I embarked on a creative project that put my skills to the ultimate test - building a car model using an empty Indomie carton. Inspired by a video, I drew the design, constructed a part drawing, and gathered materials like hot glue, wire, bulbs, and markers. I faced numerous challenges, including finding a drive system and setting up the lighting, but I persevered and found innovative solutions. I experimented with gears from a spoilt DVD set and a pulley system to achieve speed. However, I soon realized that the gears weren't enough to move the car due to its weight. Undeterred, I connected two pulleys together and passed a belt after setting a convenient clearance between the motor (rotor) and the pulley. This solution generated more speed than the gears method. Moreover, in the process of connecting the body to the chassis, I thought of a way to connect a battery to the car and still connect a wire which will add the charging of the car once the battery is down. I added a switch to control the lights and connected a phone battery to charge the car. I created wheels using vitamin C plastic covers and cardboard, and covered the car with wrapping paper. After testing and refining, my car was finally ready! I was impressed by my creativity, resourcefulness, and determination. Although I couldn't find a wireless control, I was proud of my accomplishment. This project showcased my problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work with limited resources. I learned that with imagination and perseverance, anything is possible. I developed a growth mindset, embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for growth. I applied critical thinking, analyzing problems and finding effective solutions. I also honed my skills in design, engineering, and construction. To add a finishing touch, I used paper tape to wrap two white bulbs and painted them red using a permanent marker. This creative solution allowed me to achieve the desired red color for the car's rear lights. After completing the car, I tested its speed by adding weight and refining its performance. I also connected the chassis to the body, ensuring a stable and sturdy structure. This project was a true test of my abilities, and I'm thrilled to have come out on top. I'm excited to apply these skills to future projects, pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their creativity and persevere through challenges. If you're interested in learning more about my project or want to collaborate on a future endeavor, feel free to reach out! Let's keep pushing the limits of what's possible. #creativity #resourcefulness #innovation #problem-solving #determination #growthmindset #design #engineering #construction"

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: "𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬" 🌟Brace yourself for the ultimate fusion of creativity, engineering finesse! Picture yourself at the forefront of groundbreaking design, where your ideas leap off the drawing board and into reality. The 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 isn't just an opportunity; it's your chance to redefine what's possible and sculpt a future that echoes with the sound of your success🚀

One of my initial motivations to pursue Mechanical Engineering and then Robotics was my passion for Design. As a child, I used to go to a hobby center where we would make clay sculptures on wireframes. I would choose Graphic Design as my elective during high school and later Product Design at UPenn. Throughout my undergraduate, Vishwas Mehta and I would participate in Design-athons to create machines that could clean waterbodies, etc. I remember him and I begging our faculty to give us some marks on our Engineering Design assignment, just so we could have perfect scores. I learned about communicating through infographics and interactives when designing the crowdfunding campaign at Vicara and understanding customer needs at Paperflite. I also led marketing & design initiatives at the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Development. Upon completion of my Master's, I realized how my interest had transitioned into a zeal for Computer Vision. It is fascinating how machines perceive our unique world using some geometry and algorithms, we design, to learn from data. I am curious though, to know if our expression of creativity can be reconceived. Last week I built the UMI gripper (https://lnkd.in/dP5cdZ5B) for a project and its simple yet effective design inspired me to share my journey. I am actively seeking opportunities in Robotics and Computer Vision and would appreciate any leads or connections. #design #robotics #computervision

Solving Equations, Styling Looks & Soaring High: My Journey in Math, Fashion & Aviation As a Mathematics student, President of Bellissimo- The Fashion Society of Motilal Nehru College, and a dedicated aviation enthusiast, my passions span from crunching numbers to crafting runway-ready designs—and even to sky-high dreams. Whether I’m solving for X or sketching for the next big trend, it’s all about precision, creativity, and that perfect takeoff. Think of it as blending the elegance of Chanel with the engineering of Boeing—it’s about keeping my feet on the ground while my ideas fly high. Both math and fashion give me structure, while aviation fuels my desire to break barriers and reach new altitudes. Why settle when you can be a multi-disciplinary jetsetter? #personalgrowth #mathandstyle #soaringhigh #multidisciplinary #aviationenthusiast #chanelmeetsboeing #innovationinaction

Hello #linkedinfamily 🚀After months of hard work, Excited to share my portfolio! 🚀 I’ve gathered some of my favorite projects that showcase my creativity, attention to detail, and passion for design. From concept to completion, these designs reflect my journey of innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement—particularly in the fields of mechanical design, robotics, and mechatronics. I’m always looking for new opportunities to create impactful designs that make a difference. Check out my portfolio below Looking forward to connecting with fellow creative and anyone who loves design as much as I do! #DesignPortfolio #Creativity #Innovation #linkedincommunity #Opentowork #DesignCommunity #CareerGrowth #LinkedIn