archiecolvin Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 Hi everyone, I am a student currently studying industrial design (similar to product design) at Northumbria University. I am in my 4th and final year had am having to chose a topic for Final major project. I am also fanatical about paramotoring and paragliding so would love to tailor my project to something flying related. I am having trouble thinking of a direction at the moment, and wondered if anyone could help? Please could people tell me of any problems, niggles they have when flying/ getting ready/ airborne/ landing/ transportation/maintance/ refueling etc. No matter how small, petty or ridiculous you might think it is PLEASE dont hesitate to tell me as anyting might spark off a really good idea! Also if anyone has anything they would like to see in the paramotoring world that would make life easier/more fun etc then please tell! I hope this sparks some good discussion! Thanks Archie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Hi Archie I guess most of us would like a sub 20 kg unit that puts out 75 kilos of thrust , doesn't break, doesn't vibrate etc. I do think the future might see electric power, but if your project is following the petrol route, do make sure the fuel cap is accessible. Some of the people using more power might like you to work on the torque steer problems Good luck with your project Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammertime Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Hi Archie, Noise is an issue for me. I would like a quieter engine or better hearing protection. I'm sure my neighbours would prefer a quieter engine too! Regards Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haze Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Hey Arch, Noise is definitely an issue. Make a silent paramotor and you'd get more access to fields etc as neighbours wouldn't complain. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Hi Archie, Great stuff! I've also been though the process.. graduated in Industrial Design a few years ago.... it's nice to do a major in something you have a passion for. Some ideas may be of interest- 1) Caddy pack for moving all your gear from carpark to launch site. Bit like a golf caddy, but for carrying motor, wing, helmet, etc.. without needing to make multiple trips back and forward to the car.... handy while flying from the middle of a wet field in winter..... could incorporate windsock mount, etc... 2) Wing mounted strobes- Compact hi-power LED modules built into wing pockets... 3) Training simulator. Like a hangtest 'swing frame' but the trottle and brakes are input devices that drive a PC simulation projected onto a backprojection screen or VR headset. If i think of more i'll let you know GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slim Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I really like the idea of a training simulator. Combine it with a treadmill arrangement and we can even practice takeoff and landing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.