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 2010 Senior Design Competition.
When
Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
All projects will be on display for the duration of the event, with a scheduled break from noon to 1 p.m.
Where
Dr. William R. Wells Great Hall (Engineering Complex) 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 & environmental engineering departments. With thousands of dollars in prize money on the line, the competition introduces students to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the benefits of commercial application. For the first time, students in UNLV's Master's program in Business Administration will develop business plans in conjunction with the projects for the upcoming Governor's Cup and Southern Nevada Business Plan competitions.
This semester boasts a variety of projects including a solar water purification system, a vertical lift dolly, a motorcycle accident detection system and a design for pedestrian bridges made from trees in Sudan.
Note: A partial list of projects is outlined below. A complete list of all 14 projects will soon be available online at http://engineering.unlv.edu/.
Selected Projects on Display
Solar Water Purification System
Drinking water quality is inadequate in many areas of the world due to limited purification technology and unreliable power sources. This unique design can be used independent of a power source through a combination of solar panels, existing purification techniques and multiple performance sensors. The solar power and battery backup allow for uninterrupted service, while the sensors maintain water quality standards.
Vertical Lift Dolly
A dolly is great for moving heavy objects, but how do you lift the object once it is where it needs to be? The Vertical Lift Dolly satisfies both needs. The novel device is a retrofit to a standard 600 lb. dolly and includes a pulley system operated by an interchangeable hand winch. Users can easily move and lift loads up to 250 lbs., perfect for compact furniture, televisions and landscape and maintenance materials.
B.E.T. O.N. T.H.I.S.
The Blade Element Theory Omnidirectional Neodymium Technical Home Improvement System is a wind turbine designed for a single-family home use. The unit is equipped with a ball-bearing system that allows it to track changes in the wind for optimal performance. It's perfect for off-grid homes, cabins and sustainable communities.
Motorcycle Accident Detection/Notification System
The motorcycle industry has for years lagged behind auto industry developments in safety and emergency notification technology in vehicles. This system uses GPS tracking, a built-in accelerometer and mobile communications to increase the survivability of a motorist involved in an accident by sending a detailed message to first responders.
Environmental Control Module
This all-in-one unit is perfect for hospitals, laboratories and schools as it controls room temperature, humidity levels and barometric pressure and monitors levels of oxygen and other combustible gases present. The unit, controlled through a LCD monitor and powered by a 12-volt battery, also checks for dangerous levels of light intensity.
