The First Update on the Super Sucking Machine Prototype!
Introduction to the ProtoTeam
The GKN Aerospace ProtoTeam is excited to announce that they have chosen the Super Sucking Machine as their project for this year. This brilliant idea was created by Ellis, his design has already inspired the team with many interesting features and clear goals. The Super Sucking Machine aims to clean the streets as you pedal which makes it both helpful for local communities and great for the environment. It shows how engineering can make a real difference in everyday life and help create a cleaner and more sustainable world.
The ProtoTeam is made up of eight enthusiastic aerospace engineers who each bring their own knowledge and skills to the project.
Jack Winter is a Team Lead and Outreach member who specialises in metallics and new aerospace technologies.
Max Kalny is also a Team Lead and Outreach member with a background in aeronautical engineering and composite manufacturing.
Sofia Barker is a Project Manager who studies engineering design and is currently working in metal additive manufacturing.
James Davis is a Project Manager who studies aerospace engineering and is completing sustainability research to reduce landfill materials.
Alicia Chin is a Designer who researches sustainable aviation and bio composites and supports students in bringing creative ideas to life.
Anna Hayward provides Engineering Support and specialises in polymer and ceramic composites.
Oliver Scully works in Manufacturing and focuses on composite bonding through his degree apprenticeship.
Finally, Ellis himself is the proud Design Authority. He enjoys building creative structures in Minecraft and now gets to bring one of his real world ideas to life with the team.
The ProtoTeam has already met with Ellis and the pupils at Welton Primary School to understand the idea more closely and begin shaping the early stages of the build.
Why did they choose the idea to build
The Super Sucking Machine stood out for many reasons. The idea supports the GKN Aerospace goal of being a trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. It also addresses a clear real world problem by offering a fun and practical way to clean up streets. The concept is environmentally friendly and gives communities a simple way to help the world around them. The design feels achievable and offers lots of space for engineering creativity which makes it an ideal project for the ProtoTeam.
Starting the prototype
The ProtoTeam has been working closely with Ellis to explore how the Super Sucking Machine can become a working model. Project managers Sofia and James have already helped the team define what the machine needs to do and how each part should function. From this they created a full programme management plan to guide the work ahead.
This plan includes defining the project scope and setting priorities for the design. The team has also developed a Gantt chart, an action tracker and a full project schedule. They have reviewed project risks and broken the Super Sucking Machine into smaller subsystems. Early research has supported these steps and has helped them understand what features will be most important in the first prototype.
The team is now in the beginning stages of concept design. Thanks to their experience in rapid prototyping and advanced technologies they are excited about the many possible directions the design may take. The team is looking forward to sharing future updates once the first sketches and models are ready.
Next steps
The ProtoTeam will now continue creating and reviewing a range of design concepts. Each idea must meet the design requirements set by Ellis who remains central to the development of this machine. They look forward to involving him even more in the next stage and gathering his thoughts as the design progresses.
More updates will follow as the Super Sucking Machine moves from ideas to early prototypes. The team cannot wait to share the next part of the journey with everyone.