03 September 2004

Emhart/NASA Tech Briefs Design Contest announced

The 2004 Emhart/NASA Tech Briefs Design Contest has been announced. The contest seeks innovative new designs that improve the current state of the art in various areas of technology. Prizes include:

Grand Prize. Hybrid vehicle or $20,000 cash

First Prize. Segway Transporter

Second Prize. Dewalt power tool combination kit

Merit Prizes. Black & Decker power tools

All accepted entries (those whose applications meet all requirements completely and accurately and are correctly submitted) will receive an Emhart POP® PowerLink 30 repair kit/hand rivet tool as an entry gift. (This applies to US entries only).

(TCS editor Forrest M. Mims III entered the competition in 2004. While he didn't win one of the major prizes, he reports that he did receive a very nice hand rivet tool.)

Contest innovation categories include:

1. Everyday Products

A significant functional or ergonomic new product, or upgrade to an existing product, that improves quality of life.

2. Medical

A mechanical or electromechanical design that improves the functionality, performance, or cost basis of medical product(s).

3. Safety

A mechanical or electromechanical device designed to improve personal safety during travel, work, recreation, or at home.

4. Transportation

A mechanical or electromechanical design that improves the functionality, performance, or cost basis of transportation product(s).

How to enter

Contestants must submit a narrative of 500 words or less that describes their novel design idea in one of the categories given above. The narrative must briefly describe how the design might be manufactured, its applications and its benefits.

Entries must be accompanied by a drawing that illustrates the idea. Drawings can be hard copy or electronic (PDF, GIF, JPEG or TIFF).

Contest applications must be received no later than 19 November 2004. Winners will be announced on or about March 2005.

For complete contest details, visit the Emhart/NASA Tech Briefs Design Contest web site. Or write Emhart Design Contest, c/o ABPI International, 1466 Broadway, Suite 910, New York, NY 10036.