Meet Sophia Kiriakidis, a year 12 student who participated in the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) program in 2021. STEAM is a blended learning environment that teaches students how scientific methods can be applied to the real-world application of problem-solving through project-based learning. STEAM students are expected to apply critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation and use relevant tools.
Taekwondo (TDK) has been a great passion and plays a significant part in Sophia’s life, so from the outset, Sophia was determined to design and construct a product in systems engineering that would benefit the sport., “I knew right away I wanted to develop something that can benefit all TDK students for the betterment of the sport and their physical and mental wellbeing”, Sophia stated.
The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions significantly impacted the way TDK athletes trained online. Sophia explained, “At home, many students were without targets and kicking paddles to practice with, resulting in training not being engaging and harder for students and teacher engagement”.
In TDK, a partner usually must hold the targets (pads) to train. Sophia’s innovation would accommodate independent training to perform various kicking styles. Furthermore, the product would also help with reducing potential injuries. Sophia explains, “This design is good for safety because when practising a new kick, it is common for the kicker to miss the target and strike the person holding the paddle instead”.
Sophia’s teacher Veena Nair, Domain leader: Technology and STEAM project leader at Viewback College, provided research assistance when selecting components for the product. During the design evolution, requirements on the components changed. When Sophia researched possible actuators to suit her application, she came across LINAK® electric actuators. The use of a linear actuator was determined because of its design, precision, speed, look, and product availability.
Sophia contacted LINAK; she explained her vision and application requirements and how the product needs to accommodate different heights of users, kicking ability to varying skill levels and elevation. In addition, the product needed to be durable, long-lasting, serve its purpose and sustain substantial impact.
LINAK recommended the lifting-column DL6. The DL6 is a compact three-part lifting column, and the three-part construction ensures a short installation dimension combined with a long stroke length.
Patrick Ramsden, Managing Director of LINAK Australia and New Zealand, donated and delivered the LINAK DL6 actuator, “I spent some time with Sophia going over how the actuator works, programming and offered additional information”, recalls Patrick.
After receiving the actuator, Sophia made other changes to the design. Her original idea was to mount the pawl and ratchet system to the actuator; instead, Sophia laser cut a wooden box that slid into the top of the actuator.
Other electrical components were used to make the product, including an Arduino remote control with pre-set training exercises and a force-sensitive resistor.
Sophia encountered many challenges due to the inconveniences of COVID restrictions with limited access to school grounds, teachers, design evolution and technical difficulties. However, Sophia was diligent, determined and committed to her vision and successfully overcame many challenges.
Unfortunately, on the day the project was due, Sophia experienced coding and connectivity issues, and due to the time-limited restraints, she was unable to piece the whole project together.
“My project, unfortunately, is not working as well as I had hoped as COVID-19 has significantly affected my production. The electrical systems could work individually but not when added to the project. However, as a Taekwondo member, I’m sure the idea will interest many athletes in the sport if this was to be developed currently”, stated Sophia.
LINAK is based on a wish to convert new ideas into innovative products. The team at LINAK was pleased to support Sophia on her STEAM project and help her realise her vision. LINAK wishes Sophia and all year 12 students the best on their final exams and future.
