Edward Clapham
BSc Product Design & Innovation
IEng accredited programme, University of Portsmouth
Edward Clapham completed a
placement year at Apollo Fire
Detectors after his second
year. “I wanted to link my fi nal
year project with Apollo, since
I knew the project would
be mutually benefi cial. The
project focused on adapting
Apollo’s fl at detector for
challenging environmental
conditions and rated IPX9
for pressurised steam
cleaning. After researching
and comparing solutions,
a matrix was used to determine
two solutions to test further:
strategically placed gaskets and
hydrophobic coated windows.”
The gaskets were initially
over-moulded on existing
plastics (simulated with a
polyjet multi-material 3D
print), but the seals were not
tight enough.
“Two independent gaskets were then designed
and minimum viable prototypes produced,” Edward explains.
“The coated prototypes were also produced. Both solutions
proved successful during in-house conformance validation
testing modules, with the goal of becoming a subsidiary
leader in the future.”
Douglas Kilby
BSc Product Design Technology
RProdDes accredited programme, University of Brighton
‘Pod’ is described by Douglas Kilby as a discreet and hasslefree
alternative to injecting insulin (and any other IV-based
injections). “Pod operates by allowing the user to administer
their insulin shot without the need for an exposed needle;
research concluded that diabetics were plagued by a negative
social stigma which restricted the use of exposed needles in
public, as it conveyed a very negative persona…”. Pod also
integrated some breakthrough and innovative technologies
(which are soon to be patented and fully protected), such as
a live sterilisation sensor array, passive haptics and bespoke
NFC.
Douglas decided to embark on this project due to a lifelong
interest in technology and pharmaceutical products alike.
He strongly believes that the medical consumer industry is
severely lacking in innovation and desirable cosmetics, and,
therefore, more desirable and
functional products should be
accessible.
“I spent my placement year
as a technical designer in the
radiation protection industry
and I have begun a career in
pharmaceutical industrial design. Alongside my studies,
I founded ‘dkdesign’, an engineering and design consultancy,
which has completed work for Siemens, National Rail and
various motorsport brands.”
The product has received very positive feedback from
consumers and the industry, he adds, and even interest from
potential investors. The next step envisaged for Pod will be
to construct a strong and productive IP portfolio, to further
increase the value to potential investors.
12 www.ied.org.uk
/www.ied.org.uk