WHAT: Students from the UNLV Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering put their undergraduate education to the test when they showcase year-long, commercially viable projects designed to solve everyday challenges at the fall 2008 Senior Design Competition.
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
All projects will be on display for the duration of the event, with a scheduled break from noon to 1:15 p.m.
WHERE: Thomas T. Beam Engineering Complex, Building A (Great Hall), at UNLV
DETAILS: The Senior Design Competition is the culminating project for undergraduate engineering students at UNLV. The event, which is judged by local industry representatives, will display novel projects developed by senior students in the electrical, mechanical and civil engineering departments. With thousands of dollars in prize money on the line, the competition also serves to introduce students to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the benefits of commercial application.
This semester boasts a variety of projects including a quieter shop vac, an effortless lug nut remover, electronic inventory monitors, automatic cork remover, sustainable development design and more.
NOTE: A partial list of projects is outlined below. A complete list of all 13 projects can be found online at http://engineering.unlv.edu/.
SELECTED PROJECTS ON DISPLAY
Vending Machine Inventory Monitor - Vending machine owners can save time and money and increase business efficiency with this innovative inventory monitor. By simply sending a text message to the machine, users can get an accurate product inventory to ease restocking. Also, the technology will send an alert to the user when product dips below a certain level.
Shhhop Vac - Burdensome noise levels of current shop vacuums is the number one complaint of users. The Shhhop Vac reduces sound level without drastically reducing efficiency by incorporating sound absorbing materials to the top of the machine.
LEED Neighborhood Development Design - Americans want to be more environmentally conscious while still living in a safe, affordable and enjoyable community. This Las Vegas site, designed with the pilot LEED Neighborhood Development program in mind, includes technical studies to assess design opportunities, required construction documents and more.
Best Lug Nut Remover - This design significantly reduces the amount of force needed to break a lug nut free when changing a tire. The Best Lug Nut Remover uses an external gearing system to increase torque reduction while incorporating safety, ergonomics and adaptability.
Easy Branch Pruner - This easy to use branch pruner reduces the operating area needed to perform the cutting action. The design makes use of a single action pneumatic cylinder to reduce both the operating area and the amount of force needed - simply press a button and the job is done.
Automatic Cork Remover - Removing a cork from a wine bottle is effortless with the automatic cork remover. Using a rack and pinion to drive the corkscrew, this motorized device replaces the need for human powered levers - and promises to remove the cork from the bottle without leaving cork residue in the wine.
