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Engineering Excellence 2008
National Aquatics Centre, Beijing
Courtesy of Arup + PTW
The Freedom Wheelchair
Courtesy of Lu Papi & Associates Pty Ltd
See some of the outstanding projects from the 2008 Sydney Division of Engineers Australia’s annual awards, until 17 January 2010.
National Aquatics Centre, Beijing
Winner of the Bradfield Award
An exceptional feat of engineering and architecture, the ‘Water Cube’ has taken its place as one of the world’s most iconic and popular structures. Enclosed within the array of blue bubble Ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE) walls are the pools for swimming and diving competitions, plus 17,000 spectator seats. Switch on its famous coloured lights yourself in the display!
PC3 Series Programmable Controller
The PC3 is a world class, innovative design. Known as ‘the configurable single board computer for industrial applications’ it is quite possibly the first of its kind. The PC3 was created by a small team of design, computer, electronic, and mechanical engineers and it is now a commercially viable product.
Elektron Quattro Computer Controlled Automated Cutter
This industrial-strength automated cutting system is for fabricators working with industrial and recreational textiles. The cutter carries four quick change cam-lock tools, marker and laser, and pointer holders – activate it in the exhibition to see how it operates. It has an axis that can be configured for drill punching and its cut and crease pressure can be easily varied. Polymer bearings are fitted to the tool shaft and slideways requiring no adjustment with close to zero maintenance.
Dux AiroHeat® Heat Pump Water Heater
This heater utilises solar generated energy in the surrounding air to heat water for domestic use, with low electrical energy consumption. The Dux AiroHeat is recognised by the federal government as a desired environmental product for the domestic market.
Zipform
Zipform is a reusable system of interlocking hinged prisms which can ‘zip’ objects together to form a solid structure – try it out in the exhibition! It can also be dismantled for easy storage and transport and offers a potentially huge range of prism and hinge designs (material, size, shape) and functional structures (strength, size and contour).
The Freedom Wheelchair
The Freedom Wheelchair can be used as an everyday chair, a commode chair, a shower chair, and a travelling chair. Designed specifically to meet the user’s needs, the process required innovative thinking and input from wheelchair users, spinal cord injury specialists, bio-mechanical engineers and other professionals. The chair has been designed for simplicity of manufacture, for assembly by disabled people, and to be sold at a reasonable price.
Projects from the 2009 awards will be on display from 30 January.