Daniel Cannell
Bike bracket for 4WD
St Johns College, Hamilton
Year 13 Materials Technology – 30 weeks
Teacher: Steve Andrew
Daniel's client was a keen cyclist and needed some way of transporting his road and mountain bikes and a tandem with his 4WD vehicle. Besides being able to carry at least two bikes, the rack had to be simple to operate, ie capable of being attached and removed by all members of the client's family, not hinder access to the back of the vehicle, or detract from its appearance.
Daniel considered the vehicle, researched laws pertaining to transporting equipment on vehicles, consulted with his client and looked at the options. The most user-friendly and most cost-effective option was to transport the bikes on the back of the vehicle by attaching the rack to the rear wheel carrier on the vehicle, which allowed for easily access to the rear of the vehicle.
The final outcome has been commissioned and is now in regular service.
Teacher comment
"One of my Beacon Practice goals was to have a greater involvement with industry. To achieve this each student in this class was matched up with an industry mentor at the beginning of the year. Students make contact with their mentors and gain technical advice, bounce ideas off and for general support. It gives students the chance to see Technology happens outside of the classroom and helps with motivation. The unit allowed Daniel to look at law and legislation and get to grips with client perspectives and key factors, such as simplicity, usability, and fitness for purpose.
"At the end of the year all industry mentors and clients were invited to school to view the final results. Daniel's rack was the project that attracted the most attention because of its simplicity and fitness for purpose. This was a pilot program for me but the response has been great and industry is lined up to be involved next year."
