Jennifer Cichra, a junior mechanical engineering major at Slippery Rock University, has earned recognition for her innovative 3D printed spike plate design. Cichra received the runner-up award in the undergraduate category of the Digital Manufacturing Challenge Award at the RAPID + TCT event held April 8-10 in Detroit. The annual conference is North America’s largest additive manufacturing event, hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
The spike plate design allows users to attach removable traction devices to footwear for improved stability in winter conditions. Cichra developed the concept after experiencing difficulties with traditional crampons during a family hiking trip in the Rocky Mountains. “They were heavy duty and extremely hard to walk on, so I thought, maybe I can make something lighter that is a little bit easier, especially for people with mobility issues,” Cichra explained.
Using nTopology software in SRU’s 3D printing laboratory, Cichra optimized her design to be both lightweight and durable. The project required extensive structural analysis to determine optimal spike placement. “I was able to do a stress analysis on it to determine where I need to place the individual spikes at the bottom and figure out how the pressure is distributed across someone’s foot,” said Cichra.
The award package included a $500 prize, conference admission, a certificate of achievement, a recognition letter, and additional professional development opportunities. Cichra also received a complimentary certification to take the additive manufacturing examination and a one-year license for SME online classes. She attended the conference with her project adviser, Jheng-Wun Su, assistant professor of engineering at SRU.
Source: news.sru.edu