College success at Sentinus Young Innovators 2017
Students and staff at St. Colman's College were delighted to learn that Thomas O'Hare (Hilltown) received three prestigious awards at this years Sentinus Young Innovators competition held at University of Ulster Jordanstown on 12th June.
Young Innovators attracts entries from Science and Technology students from all over Ireland. Panels of judges reward their innovation and manufacturing skills with a range of excellent prizes and further opportunities to participate in National UK competitions such as The Big Bang held in the NEC Birmingham.
Thomas presented his A Level Design and Technology prototype aptly named 'ConChute' an innovative solution to a common problem experienced by building contractors.
Frequently access to building works can be very limited which often prevents use of regular construction machinery. In particular sub structures and foundations require large volumes of very heavy ready mixed concrete which arrives on site in bulk and needs to be poured into footings and foundations.
Often there is a distance to transport the concrete on site, a process usually accomplished with a digger. When space for such machines is limited small narrow dumpers are used. However even these may struggle to manoeuvre to pour the concrete.
Thomas's innovative 'ConChute' is a MIG welded rigid steel frame incorporating a hopper and directional chute which enables concrete delivered by the dumper to be poured accurately and with ease through 180 degrees. The 'ConChute' can be picked up and positioned on site by the dumper and is sufficiently lightweight to enable it to be moved by two workmen.
The finished product has been sprayed in attractive orange and black to match the dumper.
The 'ConChute' received a lot of interest and attention from the judges and visitors to the Young Innovators event. Thomas was praised highly for his ability to address this real world problem and to produce a very high quality fully functioning product.
Thomas was delighted to be awarded Sentinus Northern Ireland Young Engineer Senior category overall winner 2017, a crystal trophy and prize of £120 for 'ConChute'. For his graphical and video presentation Thomas received The Excite Exhibition And Display
Best Visual Project Display Award 2017, a crystal trophy and prize of £100.
Finally Thomas received The Big Bang National Final Nomination Winner 2017 and crystal trophy.
He looks forward very much to competing at the National Science and Engineering Competition The Big Bang at The NEC Birmingham next March.
Congratulations from all the St. Colman's community to Thomas for this great achievement and also to his teacher Mr. Michael Mc Laughlin for his expert guidance and assistance to Thomas throughout the design and manufacture of the 'ConChute'.