Harry T. Roman's Blog, page 19

Seton Hall Prep Future Engineers Show Their Stuff–Edison Would be Proud

Seton Hall Prep (SHP) launched its inaugural Introduction to Engineering Honors course in the summer of 2015 with eight motivated SHP students. Their first opportunity for design was that of a projectile and launcher. The Edison Innovation Foundation was there to support the testing phase. Teachers out there reading this … what a great student activity!

Project teams of two or three students completed the design using Tinkercad (free online software) and printed the projectiles and launchers in biodegradable PLA (polylactide) plastic with SHP’s 3-d printer, a 5th Generation Makerbot Replicator. Each team was given a small bungee cord for propulsion, which needed to be factored into the launcher design. The projectiles were launched horizontally from a height of one meter using only one finger to fire the device, necessitating a trigger mechanism for each design. Students used their mastery of kinematics (the geometry of motion) to model the flights of the projectiles.

Teacher Kelly Searfoss prepares to launch a test projectile as a student holds the launching apparatus steady (check out the math on the whiteboards … no math-o-phobia here!)

The goal for each team was to maximize both the accuracy (how close projectiles landed to the target) and precision (how close multiple launches landed to one another) of ten launches aimed at a target on the ground five meters away. Each of the landing sites was marked on the floor as the testing proceeded, and then their x- and y- distances (perpendicular to and parallel to the launch direction) from the target were measured.

Students gather around to take stock of their hand-held videos of each launch to enthusiastically record just where the projectiles landed. Competition is fun!

The relative accuracy of each group’s design was evaluated in each direction by calculating the average distance from the target. Students calculated the standard deviation of the measurements in each direction to provide a measure of the relative precision of each design. As expected, the groups generally found that their launches displayed better accuracy and precision in the x-direction, as it was more difficult to ensure that the projectiles traveled 5 meters each time than to keep the launches straight.

Students concluded the design project with a formal report outlining the physical concepts of projectile motion and kinetic and elastic potential energy, their mathematical evaluation of their design strength, and their experience with the trial-and-error nature of the design process.

Some student quotes about this engineering design experience-

“We came out of this activity realizing the importance of communication in engineering.”

“We learned first-hand what teamwork feels like; and will use this skill as we move on to college and professional careers.”

“The way Edison invented a whole new way to invent made us realize how great an innovator he was, serving as a role model for all of us in our engineering careers.”

Contact Kelly Searfoss directly at SHP if you want more details.

Go Pirates!

Thomas Edison said, “I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.”

Time® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Edison’s Desk: An Education and Media Platform

It’s not unusual in design, just a classic oak roll-top desk, now with a thick plastic cover to protect its surface artifacts from dust and human touch. Come to think about it, this poignant reminder of the past may be one of the most photographed desks in the world.

From this once raw hunk of tree, Thomas Edison made his big decisions, held meetings at, and managed the affairs of the thirty companies that made up Thomas A. Edison Industries. Just adjacent to it [on the left side of the desk] rests his invented voice recording instrument, soon to transform into the standard dictating machines so common in the world of business.

It’s placement in his large library office is itself noteworthy. Edison knew that invention and innovation always starts with information, research, and study-of what already has been accomplished— and what could possibly be. For him, being in a constant state of learning and self-education was the key. His desk sat on the ground floor of a three-level atrium which on each level were bookshelves containing thousands of books, technical journals and patent records.

Our favorite cubby hole in the old roll-top desk is simply labeled “New Things”, stuffed with ideas for investigation that could someday become new products. That little compartment completely captured the essence of his invention factory [R&D labs]…where the great inventor gave us the keys to the kingdom-the process of taking raw ideas and turning them into finished products; what we call today, team-based product development….or as some technology gurus call it- technology driven progress. Edison always encouraged his project teams, of which there were usually 30-40 at a time, to learn and educate themselves in new technologies. All his staff could use the “corporate library”, another hallmark of modern corporations.

We refer to our Edison Innovation Foundation educational materials for students and teachers as “Edison’s Desk”, evoking the spirit of the great inventor inside our products and services. Here are the things we currently offer within the Edison’s Desk education and media platform:

Solar and alternate energy resource books
Teacher seminars, videos and webcasts about invention
Annual Thomas Edison Invention Challenge [conducted nationally]
Special science and technology programs offered at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park and at schools
Educational articles for teachers and educators
New educational STEM-based lab on the second floor of the Edison Garage
Inventor’s notebook, used by teachers when teaching invention
Licensing opportunities to use Edison name or other intellectual property

“I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.”

Time® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Please connect with any of the media or education materials above and email us at info@thomasedison.org about any items you found helpful.

Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab

Coming to Comcast and select PBS stations in September 2015

Picture an unusual group of techno-savvy tweens who discover a hidden secret lab, built and stocked by none other than Thomas Edison at his former lab site in West Orange, NJ. Imagine what these young talented minds could do with the resources of such a lab, and with help from their mentor, Thomas Edison.

Genius Brands International, a children’s entertainment company dedicated to creating “content with a purpose” for kids, created this new Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab adventure comedy series in association with The Edison Innovation Foundation.

It’s all about showing kids how fun science can be as Edison’s hologram encourages them to push the boundaries of conventional science and technology, and to solve real problems. [Sounds like today’s new school educational paradigm called STEM!] The series has been reviewed by a nationally recognized academic team to ensure episode content meets educational and information standards.

Get ready to enjoy colorful animated characters, gizmos, gadgets, and hijinks. The series begins airing in September on Comcast, and select PBS stations – check local listings.

Somebody mention Von Bolt? He’s the wacky, anthropomorphic robot-a somewhat nervous fellow who is an essential part of each episode. Von Bolt “watches the back” of Angie, 12-year old scientific prodigy, modern-day Edison, and team leader. She is accompanied by JD-resourceful geek; Nicky-scientific genius; Kent-marketing maven; Chang-computer wizard; and of course, the holographic image of Edison for the kids to interact with. Speaking of the cast, feast your eyes below and see them all set to “edu-tain” you.

Follow the series, and get the pre-tweens engaged. It’s never too early to start learning about Thomas Edison and his amazing ability to innovate! Keep up with Thomas Edison information at:

www.ThomasEdison.org
www.EdisonMuckers.org
www.Facebook.com/ThomasEdison
Thomas Edison on Instagram
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab YouTube Channel

Edison Smiles Over Progress of Solar Energy

If you cruise the Internet and check out solar companies, chances are high you will find Edison’s famous 1910 quote:

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left.”

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, 17,500+ MW of cumulative solar electric capacity is now operating in the U.S., enough to power more than 3.5 million average American homes. This includes power generated from the three types of solar-electric systems: photovoltaic panel systems on the roofs of homes, businesses, schools … etc; large scale utility-size systems; and, solar thermal power generation systems [power towers].

(Pictured Left) Residential roof system being installed. (Pictured Right) School size system.

Consider these additional important facts as well:

The U.S. solar industry employs over 160,000 workers.
36% of all new electric generating capacity in 2014 was from solar systems.
Since 2004, the installed price of solar system capacity dropped from $8.50 per watt to about $3.80.
The over 1100 national commercial solar system installations displaced over 549,246 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The top three states with cumulative solar electric capacity are California, Arizona, and New Jersey.
US solar energy capacity grew an astounding 418% from 2010-2014.

(Pictured Left) Utility size system could cover square miles. (Pictured Right) Hundreds of thousands of mirrors concentrate sunlight to make electricity … square miles of land needed.

Solar electricity now contributes just a small fraction of our nation’s current electricity needs, but it is becoming a highly desirable and super-clean form of electric generation. If Edison were alive today, he would certainly be competing in the marketplace with new solar application ideas. Remember, it was Edison who gave us the modern electric utility system in the first place … and he was always improving his inventions, making room for new technologies. He would certainly make room for solar!

Editor Deep Dive

www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-industry-data
http://cleantechnica.com/2014/04/24/us-solar-energy-capacity-grew-an-astounding-418-from-2010-2014/

Try this … calculate how much solar energy could save when installed on your home at: pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
Thomas Edison said, “If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves …”

Time® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Results of the Big Contest for the Best Invention: The Light Bulb, the Airplane or the Theory of Relativity?

We were pleased with the over 150 national entries we received; and the variety of thoughts on the question. The great bulk of the submissions favored the light bulb; with about 5-10% for the airplane and but a few for the theory of relativity. It is after all what our readers thought.

The winners and prizes awarded are:

First Place $100 Noah Kurzenhauser


Second Place $50 Jonathan Leach


Third Place $25 Randy Ohman

In addition, we decided to award two honorable mention prizes as well:

Honorable Mention $15 Valeria Pasuizacca


Honorable Mention $15 Brandon Nguyen

One particular entry prompted our judges to issue a special award for creativity:

Special Award $75 David Nassar

David’s entry was an ingenious poem which we have reproduced below-

The airplane, the light bulb or relativity

Which is the greatest mark of ingenuity?

First consider the airplane- two brothers so Wright

They invented a vehicle capable of flight

People called them dreamers, and dreamers they were

In Kitty Hawk, they flew in the air like the birds

Next consider relativity- an Einstein to find

That distance and space is related to time

Twin paradoxes, bending space, and even GPS

Relativity explained; mysteries put to rest

Finally, the lightbulb, a bright idea clearly!

I contest it is greater than planes or relativity theory

Relativity claims nothing is faster than light

And without the lightbulb, there’d be no such insight

Einstein’s theory relied on an experiment of his mind

“What if two lights were turned on, what’s the answer he’d find?”

Now when considering the classic question, ” ‘light’ or flight?”

Consider where the airplane would be in the night

Airport runways and red-eyes could never be handled

By rows upon rows of wax-based candles

So of the three inventions one is greater than two

And for this Thomas Edison, we are grateful to you.

Thanks to all who participated! Be on the look-out for upcoming contests.

Thomas Edison said, “I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.”

Time® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Thomas Edison Loves Young Inventors

Nothing would please Edison more than to see students interested in serious invention activities; and so with the completion of the Edison Innovation Foundation’s 5th annual alternate technology competition, the great inventor would be most happy.

Traditionally a NJ event, this year the Foundation expanded the competition to the national level. Nine (9) states were represented by sixty-four (64) teams vying for top honors. A key aspect of the competition-it was done totally virtually. The teams fulfilled all requirements of the competition via computer-even submitting their presentation videos via email to be judged by twelve members of the engineering, academic, business, and consulting community. Here are the winners, by division, state, and team name!

High School Division

1st Place: High Point Regional HS, New Jersey, (Purple Dragons-for a ski lift energy solution)
2nd Place: New Providence HS, New Jersey, (Zhang Plus One-for a parabolic boiler)
3rd Place: Morris Knolls HS, New Jersey, (ZFN2 Team 1-for an electric car charged through a photovoltaic array)

Middle School Division

1st Place: Banks Trail MS, South Carolina, (The Chargerz-for a wireless cell phone solar charger that could be used during catastrophic events, or in locations without electricity)
2nd Place: Howell MS North, New Jersey, (Artificial Intelligence-for a sun grill)
3rd Place: Linwood MS, New Jersey, (Team 4-for an improved flight data recorder)

Honorable Mentions

Albert Bridge Elementary School, Vermont, (The Edisons-for a wind powered phone charger)
Chaney STEM Campus, Ohio, (Thomas Friends-for a sustainable swimming pool)

Great effort everyone! Shown below are several selected photos of the winners.

High School Third Place Winners

Middle School First Place Winners

Teachers, school principals, students out there … participate in next year’s national competition. Join in the fun and competitive spirit.

Thomas Edison said, “I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.”

Time® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Edison, Einstein on Orville Wright

Let’s rejoin our two intrepid friends Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison up in the cloud, and listen in to their conversation about the Wright Brothers. Then check out our contest at the end of the blog.

Albert Einstein (AE)

Good Morning Thomas. Say, you met that Orville Wright fellow didn’t you?

Thomas Edison (TE)

Sure did-back in 1913 as I remember, came out to my West Orange Labs, a couple of weeks before Christmas. Why do you ask?

December 18, 1913: Visit of Orville Wright to Edison’s West Orange Labs.
Front row l. to r. Mina Edison, daughter Madeleine, Orville Wright (light-colored suit), Thomas Edison, [unknown], John Sloane –husband of Madeleine.

AE

Lot of fanfare about a new book about the Wright brothers, just came out, that McCullough writer fellow wrote the book-good reviews I hear.

TE

Hey, isn’t that the fellow who wrote about you Albert?

AE

Yes, it is! Well, I almost forgot about that.

TE

Orville and his brother Wilber [who died young] did quite a nice job with making the airplane a practical device. Lots of controversy about whether they were first or not, but if they did not provide the proper controls for the wings, no one would be flying today. No small problem they solved in 1903, and then the interest overtook the whole world.

Orville being launched for an early flight in 1902. Brother Wilber and a friend are at each wingtip.

AE

What reminds me of you Tom, is how they kept improving and refining their flying machine. Passion is what they had for their invention, like you did for yours.

TE

If you don’t have passion, there is no need to be in the inventing business. I must say though I wondered how they made a connection between their other activities like an ongoing bicycle shop and powered flight; but then again inspiration can come from a variety of circumstances. Did I mention he was an Ohio boy like me? He came from Dayton, while I came from up north in Milan, near Lake Erie.

AE

Sounds like those Midwest strong work values. Just like Henry Ford too!

TE

That could very well be. Another thing I did not mention. When Orville was out visiting me he had quite a good time talking with my daughter Madeleine’s husband, John Sloane, who has an aeronautical business down in Newark. The airport there is becoming quite well known and used.

AE

Thomas, consider how much change has come during our lives. Once the train was the way to travel– and then Henry brings the automobile, and you the electric vehicle; and along comes Orville and folks are no longer on the road, but in the air. Such change!

TE

And 66 years later in 1969, there are footprints on the moon.

AE

Let’s take a walk. I have been doing some of those Smoogle….no Google…….computer searches, and Mr. Orville Wright lives not far from us up here in the cloud. Maybe he and his brother would like to do a little inventing with us. What do you think?

TE

Al…a splendid idea!

AE

Who knows….maybe a plane flight is in our future?

TE

Perhaps I should bring along my motion picture camera?

A Contest for our readers!

Win a gift of $100 for first place; $50 second; $25 third. Send us some words, say 150-250, as to which invention had the most impact on the world … the light bulb; the airplane; or theory of relativity. Contest closes on June 15, 2015 at 5:00 pm. Email info@thomasedison.org to enter.

Thomas Edison said, “If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves …”

Time ® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Louis Latimer: Black Inventor and Thomas Edison Associate

Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928)

Born the son of a freed slave, Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928) is an outstanding role model for young folks-how to overcome whatever odds against success and succeed. In his 80 years he was an inventor, patent expert, draftsman, engineer, author, poet, and musician.

During the Civil War he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard a side wheel gunboat, the U.S.S. Massasoit, until the war’s end in 1865. Returning home, he soon taught himself mechanical drawing, subsequently holding a job in this capacity, preparing formal drawings submitted to the U.S. Patent Office. He helped prepare the drawings for Alexander Graham Bell’s original telephone patent.

Later, in 1880, he would work for Hiram Maxim, a prolific inventor and contemporary of Bell and Edison, who like Edison was working on electric lighting. While with Maxim, Latimer patented a process for making carbon filaments for bulbs, and taught workers to make the filaments. This knowledge soon mushroomed into Latimer setting up and consulting in Maxim factories here and abroad.

In 1884, Latimer was named a draftsman-engineer in Edison’s New York operations; and in 1889 as an expert electrical engineer, wrote a highly regarded technical book of its time, “Incandescent Electric Lighting—A Practical Description of the Edison System”. In that same year, he penned a book of poetry, celebrating his life-long love of creative writing. Latimer also served as an expert witness for Edison, testifying on behalf of the great inventor in many court cases challenging Edison’s electrical system.

Diagram of Latimer’s bulb (1883) and acclaimed book (1889)

By 1892, Latimer was involved in consulting roles with General Electric, Westinghouse, and finally a prestigious New York engineering/patent law firm-eventually retiring from that firm in 1924 at the age of 75. While at the law firm, the “Edison Pioneers” was formed, a group dedicated to keeping alive the ideals and aims of Thomas Edison. Latimer was one of the original members.

Today, Latimer is considered one of the top ten black inventors, up there in stature with the great George Washington Carver who held many patents. Latimer was a great man, and patriot … a role model for all students … a man who never stopped learning and improving himself.

Thomas Edison said …  “I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others… I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent…”

Time ® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

A Technology Edison Would Love: The Solar Sponge

Fix this picture in your mind:

A four inch disk
Resembles a dirty sponge
Floats on water
Converts 85% of incoming sunlight to steam!

Born at MIT, this new material, known as a “solar sponge” is far more efficient at converting water to steam – generating steam using a 10X solar concentration input, the lowest solar concentration ever for steam generation.

The dirty part of the sponge is attributable to graphite flakes, specially treated, which absorbs the solar energy. The bottom of the sponge has a coating of carbon foam to provide an insulating effect.

This technology holds great potential for solar thermal power generation, as well as desalination; and could be used in hygiene and sterilization applications. It could be a game-changer for water treatment in isolated, impoverished areas-essentially small-scale technology for producing potable water. Each year close to 50,000 people a year in Africa die from ingesting polluted water, so something like the solar sponge would be a much welcome technology.

Editor’s Deep Dive

www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-ufo0VQSWs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzKWRsCtr_U

Thomas Edison said … “I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.”

Time ® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

Edison-Einstein-Disney: Three of a Kind

BREAKING NEWS: Edison and Einstein appear in cameo shots in a trailer promotion for Disney’s new film, “Tomorrow Land”, a movie to premier soon in Japan. George Clooney stars in the movie. 

When you hear these names your mind naturally associates them with people who changed the world. They tend to bring smiles to your heart and mind-three men who did some really cool things; and who shared some very interesting commonalities you can read about below.

All three had issues with formal schooling-experiencing problems with the emphasis on rote memory; and little room for other ways of learning. They

may have all suffered from dyslexia, and related learning problems.
These great achievers valued hard work, creativity and imagination in their pursuits.
Persistence characterized their work, bringing forth ideas in spite of repeated failures; and learning through failure.
With an eye on the future, these innovators knew how valuable it was to be pushing the envelope of thought; and doing so in the service of humanity.
They all went beyond conventional problem solving– ”disruptors”, as we would say today.
Read and learned from a wide variety of fields and literature.
Kept advancing and refining their ideas.
Were playful, humorous, and even played practical jokes on friends/co-workers.

Consider some quotes from these gentle, giant, applicators:

EDISON:
“I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others… I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent …“
“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”
“Surprises and reverses can serve as an incentive for great accomplishment. There are no rules here, we’re just trying to accomplish something”

 

 

EINSTEIN:
“Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
“The aim [of education] must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals who, however, see in the service to the community their highest life problem.”

 

 

WALT DISNEY:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” [Walt once quipped, the whole Disney adventure started with a mouse and a dream.]
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

 

Thomas Edison said, “If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves …”

Time ® is a registered trademark of Time Inc.