 Coventry University’s Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) has won a national iaward for its collaboration with Opal Contracts in producing a novel curtain fixing clip.
Opal Contracts, a Birmingham-based manufacturer of blinds, curtain tracks and security systems conceived the idea of the product, which will enable easy packing, storage, handling and suspension of disposable curtains. The clip is targeted at minimising the risks of infection, particularly in British hospitals.
The company relied on HDTI for producing a prototype for client discussions. Guy Smallman, Commercial Development Director at HDTI said: “We developed a 3D computer model to take the component straight to full tooling for manufacture and the design was also used to produce a series of animations to demonstrate the product, which proved invaluable as a marketing tool.
The development of the design from concept to manufacture has aided Open Contracts in penetrating difficult market conditions and securing their business in a short space of time. “It is a perfect example of how we can work with a business or organisation and turn their idea into a viable, working product”, Guy added.
The iawards will celebrate Britain’s best achievements in science, technology and innovation. They were presented at a ceremony at the Science Museum in London on Monday, November 16 by Science Minister Lord Drayson from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
“The iawards winners epitomise the best of British innovation that will drive the future growth of our economy and make Britain a better place to live and work. I’m delighted to be part of an event celebrating British success”, he said.
The awards are the first of their kind to be supported by the British government, working in partnership with Dragon’s Den leading entrepreneur James Caan. “I’m privileged to be part of the iawards and recognise and honour all finalists for their expertise and vital contribution they make to our economy”.
Maurice Laydon from Opal Contracts said: “We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award and gaining recognition as one of the top 10 innovative companies in the UK.”
Principal sources:
http://www.coventry.ac.uk/latestnewsandevents/a/5621
http://james-caan.com/index.html
http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/leadership/5722476/james-caan-and-lord-drayson-honour-britains-innovators.thtml
http://news.iawards.org.uk/?tag=lord-drayson
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