Two final year students at the University of Limerick have gone forward to complete in the highly-prestigious global James Dyson Award.
22 year-old John Burke and 23 year-old James D’Arcy are among 12 Irish finalists who are in the running for the global James Dyson award which has a grand prize of €12,000 plus €12,000 for the design department at the student’s university.
John has made the shortlist for his invention – “Roll- Clean Wheelchair Tyre cleaning device”, a brush mechanism device that removes dirt from the wheels as the user operates the wheelchair. The product serves to reduce major embarrassment for wheelchair users as they can freely enter a building with the peace of mind that they will not leave extensive dirt marks on the floors.
The inspiration for John’s project came from his experience working with wheelchair users. I have lived and cared for wheelchair users most of my life. A family member of mine who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis is permanently wheelchair bound and constantly battles with the frustration and embarrassment of dirtying floors and hallways of homes and indoor public spaces. Having seen this first hand my primary and secondary research proved that this was a common problem among wheelchair users, a problem to which no viable solution exists. This knowledge inspired me to develop the Roll-Clean Retrofit Wheelchair Tyre Cleaning Device”.
Meanwhile James’ invention “ Flo2w” is a new way of delivering oxygen to a patient. It eliminates many problems that are associated with the current device. The device is fitted on the patients head using the adjustable headpiece that can be easily clipped on and off. According to James “Flo2w eliminates the big, intimidating, one-size-fits-all mask that is currently being used. The subtle design makes the user feel as if they are not even wearing it. The oxygen is supplied to the patient through nasal tubing. The system integrates a new form of regulating oxygen in an innovative and easy way for both the patient and health care professional.” Both Limerick inventions now go forward to the international stage of the James Dyson Award and are in with a chance of winning the global James Dyson Award, which has a grand prize of €12,000 plus €12,000 for the design department of the winning student’s college.
James Dyson will announce the global winner on October 5 next.
Pictured is James D’Arcy’s concept Flo2w which is a new way to delivery oxygen to a patient. See www.jamesdysonaward.org.
