Civil Aviation Authority creating the Attaching Suitcase Prototype – Midpoint Update

Where we left off…

The Civil Aviation Authority, as a regional partner for the Leaders Award competition, selected Year 4 pupil Anna’s innovative idea—The Attaching Suitcase—to be developed into a working prototype during the 2024/2025 academic year. Her concept, which allows multiple suitcases to magnetically connect and be pulled together with one hand, impressed the CAA ProtoTeam for its creativity and aviation relevance. The multidisciplinary team, made up of STEM professionals from across the CAA, began the project with virtual planning sessions, including a call with Anna and her teacher to better understand her vision. Using this insight, they explored different technical approaches to make the design both functional and airport-compatible, with in-person meetings scheduled to begin hands-on prototyping.

Midpoint Update!

Since the initial project update, the team has been actively collaborating with Anna to develop and refine the concept for The Attaching Suitcase. The primary design feature is a magnetic connection that allows the suitcase to attach to other components, controlled by a button that turns the function on and off.

To bring this idea closer to reality, the CAA STEM team has been meeting virtually every two weeks and also gathered in person to explore different suitcase models, materials, and connection mechanisms. These sessions enabled the team to combine Anna’s design vision with their technical skills to create three potential prototype options. Anna was then invited to review the drafts and select the final design direction.

The team agreed on a lightweight electromagnet embedded within the inner lining of the suitcase, keeping it discreet. A button positioned on the top of the suitcase will control the magnetic function. Following this decision, one of the key next steps was to seek external collaboration to manufacture the necessary attachments. Team member Chris developed a demonstration model of the chosen design, which was shared with the wider team through a combination of in-person and virtual meetings.

So what’s the next steps?

The CAA STEM team is now working with John Rogers and Max Quinton from Siemens Energy to produce the components required for the suitcase’s attachment functionality. While these parts are being developed, the team continues to work on the overall design and interior layout of the prototype to ensure all project requirements are met.