Jul 19 2007
For the "Design Innovation in Plastics Award" competition 2007 in UK, product and engineering design students were challenged to create an inspiring design for a safety or security product, using polymers and high-performance plastics from the Bayer MaterialScience portfolio as the predominant materials. Judging criteria included an understanding of sustainability issues in terms of its environmental and social impact. A record of 102 entries were received from 326 students from 14 universities, with entries ranging from biometric entry systems, tagging devices, personal security and communication systems to sports protection and smart mattresses.
Sara Bellini, a graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, has won this year´s competition, with a security accessory for handbags. The design of the ´Keepsafe Personal Bag Security Accessory´ works through a suction cap which is activated by pulling down the ´tail´of the device to secure bags to tables or chairs. The accessory is made of the polycarbonate Makrolon® and the thermoplastic polyurethane Desmopan® from Bayer MaterialScience. Sara Bellini has won £ 1,000 and a placement with Bayer MaterialScience in Leverkusen, plus £ 500 for Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.
Second place went to Daniel Biddle from the University of Huddersfield for his so-called "Roof Angel", which is a roof or road mounted flashing replacement for the standard warning triangle. The frame is made from six polyurethane RIM (reaction injection molding) molded components, with the LED wiring and circuit board in a flexible conduit, plus magnets and reflective tape, all of which makes it easy to see from a distance.
Third place was for Carl Needham´s ´Arm Cast´. Carl, from the University of Northumbria, designed the waterproof, breathable system of components to replace cumbersome and wasteful plaster casts. The Arm Cast is made using Bayer MaterialScience´s Makroblend® polycarbonate blend and Bayflex® integral foam panel.
Three other developments of the University of Northumbria have received exceptional awards. The ´Samurai Cricket Helmet´ designed by Scott Hudson is a full-face, vented and impact-resistant visor. The ´Urban Chameleon Security Unit´ designed by Jez Jewkes, a flat-pack secure storage unit, is designed for use in locations such as building sites, car parks and music festivals. The ´B-Alert DVT Prevention Aid´ designed by Andrew Rudd is an aid to help decrease the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Martin Sixsmith, Senior Country Representative of Bayer MaterialScience for UK and Ireland, who handed over the awards, says: "I´m impressed regarding the broad range of entries concerning security. This year´s entries are really high quality."
The competition is organized every two years by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining with sponsorship from Bayer MaterialScience, the Worshipful Company of Horners and others. The independent jury was composed of specialists in product design, crime prevention, security and plastics.