Experimental Luggage Sets – Design Competition

This year's National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC) asked teams of high school students to address the timely issue of our nation's security, particularly aviation security. The 2003 NEDC problem statement was to advance the state-of-the art of travel baggage to facilitate inspections in their speed and accuracy, while maintaining and protecting personal privacy. The project should develop a luggage set for both check-in and carry-on.

On April 19, a team from Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, met this challenge and was awarded the best design at this annual event, held at the National Academy of Engineering in Washington, D.C. NEDC teams were challenged to design a product that could be ergonomic and convenient, while being inspection-friendly, with the ability to protect travelers' privacy and be easily used by people with disabilities. The teams also had to explain the product's design development, its possible manufacturing and sales, and suggest future design enhancements.

2nd Place Winners Grand Blanc High School "Each year student teams conceptualize, build, and demonstrate a product that makes life a little easier for people," says Howard Spiegelman, executive director of the Junior Engineering Technical Society, which sponsors the event. "Working as a team, students actually get a chance to 'try on' engineering and experience the practical application of math and science they are learning in school into producing a project." Led by teacher and coach Claude Charron and advising engineer Isabel McBraver, the team designed, built, and demonstrated a working model of an original product called the "Time Traveler."

3rd Place Winners West Green High School The Time Traveler prototype contains a variety of mesh and larger-sized clear, plastic compartments, which are set up like a Rolodex, allowing airport security officials to quickly turn over each compartment in the luggage without invading travelers' privacy. The students also designed the Time Traveler to include wheels, backstraps, and a handle for easy unpacking and transport.

Judges included employees of the Transportation Security Administration and Bechtel Corporation.

About The Author:

Rosemary Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.luggage-n-tote-bags.com. Traveling is easier with quality luggage, suitcases, garment bags, totes & travel bags.