Write a commentMark Mc Evoy (Dromara) a pupil at Saint Colman's College was awarded three major prizes at the Big Bang Fair held at the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham.
Mark’s route to success began in June 2011 at the Odyssey Arena Belfast when he won the Senior Engineering prize at the Northern Ireland Regional finals of the Young Engineers / Young Innovators competition with his AS Design and Technology Project the ‘Multi – Lift’.
The prize included the opportunity to compete at the National Science and Engineering Competition finals in the NEC Birmingham 2012 against the best young designers and engineers in the UK.
Mark’s product the ‘Multi – Lift’ was designed to be easily and quickly attached to the front loader of a tractor. Once fitted the operator can hydraulically control a jib with an offset hook to lift and position 500 KG bags of fertilizer without the need to leave the cab. The product is designed for use in an agricultural or construction environment and is extremely versatile enabling it to lift a variety of common loads.
Mark’s initial research into the problem highlighted the commercial potential of such a product. His design work was developed using CAD and the final prototype manufactured in the College Design and Technology workshop.
The ‘Multi- Lift’ has been constructed from heavy gauge box section mild steel incorporating reinforcement steel plate features manufactured using a plasma cutter.
The judges at the NEC were very impressed with the concept of the ‘Multi – Lift’ and in particular Mark’s ability to convey his ideas and demonstrate the final product in use with a DVD. Judges also remarked on the depth to which Mark researched into the forces and loadings the product is exposed to in use. Visitors to the exhibition commented on the impressive presentation of Mark’s display of design work and the high quality shop finish of the ‘Multi – Lift’.
At the award ceremony Mark was awarded the following prizes:
The Royal Academy of Engineering Senior 1st Prize, £500 and a visit to Imperial College London to see the latest advances in engineering techniques such as neuro imaging and materials science.
Runner up in the Senior Engineering stream of the National Science and Engineering Competition (second place in UK). Plus £700.
Young Engineers for Britain Award for Craftsmanship and £250.
JCB UK representatives at the awards also expressed an interest in Mark and the potential of the ‘Multi – Lift’ and will be in further discussion.
The Design and Technology department at St. Colman’s congratulated Mark on his achievement. This high standard of commitment and achievement continues to inspire students to study Design and Technology at the College.
