Pupil engineering idea, Walkie Frame, developed into a prototype by Thales

Introduction to the partnership

Thales are one of our National Partners for our annual engineering competition which asks pupils aged 3-19 ‘If you were an engineer what would you do?’ and encourages pupils come up with creative solutions to real-world problems.

There are 5 Thales teams from various sites around the UK who will each be working on one of the 5 pupil engineering ideas selected to develop into a prototype over the 2023/2024 academic year which will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony and Public Exhibition during the Summer term.

Beginning the prototype

The Thales Templecombe ProtoTeam selected Erin’s Walkie Frame engineering idea to bring to life as Erin’s idea was to improve her grandmother’s comfort and the convenience of using walking aids. It was also to help save space in her grandmother’s apartment. The ProtoTeam felt this was a very kind-hearted and selfless innovation and were keen to be a part of its design.

Midpoint update

They have made previous physical concepts for this design however encountered a few roadblocks during its creation. They realised that due to the difference in handles of walking sticks and walking frames and the necessity for having the weight applied through the centre of each walking aid it was difficult to create walking sticks that could also function effectively within a walking frame. As such had to go back to the drawing board and create new concepts and adaptations which we will be presenting to the student to get their feedback. Our next steps for the team will be to bring together a finalised design approved by the student and bring it to life. They have planned a virtual meeting with the pupil designer and teacher to show them the current design concepts, two ideas for the walkie frame itself and the possibility of integrating another idea of into the walkie frame, the further idea being a universal walking frame clip on pouch (CAD design shown below). They hope this planned virtual meeting will allow them to really narrow down on a final design for our student.

What’s next?

This is the last update on this amazing prototype until it’s grand unveiling at the Award Ceremony event.