James Morgan (Kilcoo), winner of the Young Engineer for Britain regional finals held in the Odyssey Arena Belfast last June progressed to compete against other regional finalists at the ‘Big Bang’ Young Engineers and National Science Competition Fair in London 4th-6th March.
The event is a showcase of the highest level Engineering and Science projects carried out by students throughout the UK and Ireland.
Following three days of intensive judging James was awarded ‘Young Engineer for Britain National Winner for Design, Innovation and Presentation 2008-2009’.
James received a certificate, a crystal trophy and a cheque for £1000. In addition James was awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ prize for outstanding work from the National Science Competition in the technology category.
For his major A Level technology project James designed and manufactured a full size tractor mounted hydraulic power rake to remove large stones from ploughed fields or lawns prior to sowing.
The unit is mounted within a 7ft tractor link box and is powered by a hydraulic motor system. This motor drives a robust system of chain linked steel rakes which dislodge and pull all but the smallest stones into the link box. In doing so the machine also aerates and conditions the soil. The span of the system covers the tractor tyre tracks. The operator can then hydraulically elevate the power rake and tip the stones wherever hard fill is required.
This product was inspired by experience of gathering stones from fields manually and with only slight modifications the prototype should have great market potential. James is researching patents for his design.
As part of his display James presented a short video of the machine in operation. The judges were very impressed with the video and the innovative design of the prototype. James’s confident and knowledgeable presentation under rigorous questioning was another factor in winning the award.
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