The winner of the James Dyson Award in 2009 was AUTOMIST by Yusuf Muhammad and Paul Thomas.
In recognition of their victory, they have won £10,000 to develop their design. £10,000 will also be awarded to their university department to support the development of future projects by other promising students.
Read about the winning entry, as well as the fifteen international finalists, here.
2009 Finalist
Home Chare. Germany
Problem:
Current aids to assist with the care of immobile patients often require at least two attendants per service user. With especially physical tasks such as patient transfer (moving, lifting, standing up), attendants can suffer injury if working alone. This is especially the case with home carers.
Development:
The design of Home Chare focussed on reducing parts and increasing lightness, symmetry, precision and simplicity of use. The chair's function and ergonomics were simulated with functional mock-ups. Motion sequences, feasibility, usability as well as statics were also investigated, influencing the final design.
Solution:
The Home Chare combines wheelchair, bed and patient lift into one product, removing the need to transfer patients. It has a modular construction consisting of seat and transport elements joined by an asymmetric connector. Different elements can be added to these modules to change the function of the Home Chare.
2009 3rd Place - Folding Plug