Boeing patents innovations by SP students
In-flight solutions developed by Singapore Poly students picked up by Boeing
A few years down the road, cabin crew may see three in-flight solutions developed by six Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students in Boeing's new planes.
At yesterday's opening of SP's new aerospace training facility, known as AeroHub, the students were presented with the Boeing Patent Award for their solutions, which serve to improve crew safety and productivity.
The solutions have been patented by aircraft industry giant Boeing, making it the first such achievement by a local institution.
Boeing representative Cynthia Vandewall said: "These patents are a testament to the SP students' breadth of creativity and industry-centric skills. We look forward to many more successes with SP students in the coming years."
For five weeks in 2013, the six students from SP's engineering, business and design diplomas worked with Boeing researchers and cabin crew and conducted in-depth studies and surveys to find solutions.
Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry, who was the guest of honour, said: "It's interesting to note how the multi- disciplinary projects are opening opportunities for SP students to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.
"The Boeing patents are a good example of how students from various disciplines can come together to hone their skills, and use them to benefit the community.
"Gone are the days where we just specialise in a silo area."
SP and Boeing have been in a unique partnership since 2011. The three award-winning solutions are part of a slew of innovations that SP students have been developing for the company's consideration.
HONOURED
Mr Elston Cheah Kai Shean, 21, who was involved in the development of two solutions, said: "I'm really honoured to win this award as the solution was something we worked on three years ago and now we have received recognition for it.
"It was an eye-opening experience working with the world's largest aerospace company, and also students from other diplomas, as having differing opinions made our solutions better."
AeroHub houses the aeronautical and aerospace electronics engineering laboratories and facilities under one roof at SP.
The four-storey hub is equipped with facilities typically found in an industrial aircraft hangar, including a flight simulator room and an engine maintenance room for hands-on training.
It will be open to the public during SP's Open House from tomorrow to Saturday.
3 IN-FLIGHT SOLUTIONS
Six Singapore Polytechnic students developed three in-flight solutions for aircraft giant Boeing:
LOCKING MECHANISM FOR LARDER CASES
The redesigned larder cases (above) include an interlocking system, allowing the cabin crew easier access to the food and drink stored inside.
LOCKS WITH VISUAL INDICATOR
Instead of bulky manual locks for the aircraft compartments, the integrated lock with colour indicators will tell the cabin crew if a compartment is locked or open at one glance.
REMOVABLE SINK COVERS
Besides providing extra space for the cabin crew during food preparation, spillage is minimised as the removable sink covers allow for liquids to flow through the openings.
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