Lorenzo Cutts

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University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2023 > MEng students > Lorenzo Cutts

Combining a kayak ergometer and rowing machine into one piece of gym equipment.

I have always enjoyed solving problems, whether in education, the real world or at home in day to day life. I've had an interest in maths all my life and wanted a way to be able to apply it to real world scenarios for my career. Both of these and the inspiration from my teachers led me to discover the career path of Product Design. Doing a placement at one of the lead design and manufacturers of climbing equipment in the world, DMM, I got to experience all aspects of the design process and only increased my interest within it. From there I came to University of Nottingham to challenge and further myself.

My main interests within the design cycle are the computerised design and manufacture of products. Taking a conceptual idea and being able to create a three-dimensional model within computer space allows for us as designers to further our knowledge of the design. Creating a model which is dimensionally accurate and can easily be changed both in the sizing of large aspects of the product and the smallest of details. As well as being able to change aesthetics through running realistic visualization renders. This not only allows for us and our clients to be able to visualize and change the product, but also for it to then be ready for designing for manufacturing processing.

I have a great love for outdoor sports, such as climbing and kayaking, competing in Canoe Slalom. Having to push to improve myself at every problem and obstacle, and gaining an appreciation for getting results when putting in the work. It taught me that although the steps for getting from start to finish of a race or design process may generally be the same, none are. Every design will have a different problem and different challenge which means you may have to spend more time with focus in different areas. This concept is what makes me and keeps me interested in this career as it will always be changing and always be different, no one day being the same. My major project allowed me to bring together my love and knowledge for my sport and product design to create something I believe has been a gap in the market.

Lorenzo Cutts, MEng Product Design and Manufacture

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Aqua-Ergo

The Aqua-Ergo is a two in one piece of gym equipment, combining the specific training capability of a kayak ergometer with the general body workout capability of a rowing machine. It is designed in order to reduce down the cost of existing kayak ergometers while bringing a new feature to rowing machines which makes it more appealing to users. There were two main design focuses; Conversion and Portability. It has certain features which provide these which are wanted and needed by the users.

The product focuses on conversion by adding two different features, a pole extension and a seat securing screw. The pole extensions are made of carbon fibre to keep the realism of lightweight paddle shaft. With the main pole weights at the each of the ends making up for the lack of blade connected to the shaft. The seat securing screw locks the seat in a specific place as the seat does not move when being used as a kayak ergometer.

The product focuses on portability by adding in four features; a foldable screen, a foldable rail, a seat storage and extension pole storage. The foldable screen is up when in use but folds flat as to not cause the product to have to be taller than required, compacting the height of the product by a sixth. The aluminium rail extends by folding out on hinges to the full length required for use and secures by a latch system. When it is compacted it folds into three pieces and into the front of the product leaving a flush and compact product, compacting the length by three quarters. The seat slides off the rail, by opening the stopper at the end and stores in a back compartment where there is a door to secure all of the inner contained components of the product. Where there is also storage for the extension pole which is folded down into three pieces as to be able to fit without causing the product to expand in size.