Hero Kit: Designathon 2025

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Inspiration

As first-year students, we are all too familiar with the difficulties of getting about McMaster's campus. The draining walks, tired from heading to PGCLL to ETB. With his full schedule of heroic activities, we imagined MDL Man dealing with similar transportation difficulties. In order to meet his needs, we worked to create a more efficient and flexible method for him to move around campus and to make sure he had a way out of kidnappings or tight spots.

Our concept was inspired by modern footwear like Heelys, which provide movement in an enjoyable, small design. We explored this as the starting point for our solution as we got motivated by the idea of combining travel and effectiveness in such a unique manner. We also saw the project as a chance to embrace the design challenges where this unusual concept could bring and to push our creative boundaries.

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What It Does

We introduce to you, SHH! The Superhero Heelys. Attached to the sole of MDL Man's shoes, the Hero Kit is a lightweight, detachable wheel mechanism. He is able to effortlessly move across campus with it, which spares him time and energy. Because of its small size, it is simple to take off or put on when necessary, making it ideal for escaping tight spaces or upholding his heroic persona.

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How We Built It

We started by looking into transportation options, focusing particular focus to the Heelys and skateboard wheel mechanics. In order to guarantee smooth movement, initial designs considered involving ball-bearing systems. But, due to design restrictions and printing issues, we decided to try plastic bushings, which offered a more simpler and efficient option.

We developed multiple design iterations using 3D modeling tools, where each improved the wheel mechanism to make it lighter, smoother, and simpler to assemble. We investigated with different designs and techniques before landing on a solution that maintained the right balance between functionality and simplicity. The finished product was easy to use, lightweight, and portable—exactly something that will aid MDL Man.

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Challenges We Ran Into

Like any ambitious project, challenges were expected. We balanced discussion and brainstorming, creating and drawing designs, prototyping in Inventor, and testing in a 24-hour period, so time management was a constant challenge. Achieving smooth wheel movement was the largest technical obstacle; our original ball-bearing concept was impractical in the short time frame, and we needed to look into other options. Despite these difficulties, we managed to push beyond each one due to our dedication, design processes, and flexibility.

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What We Learned

Through this challenge, we learned the value of adaptability and persistence. With every iteration, we got closer to a working design, and setbacks helped us in identifying errors and generating new ideas. We were able to stay creative under pressure and come up with new concepts in a short amount of time. Our time management was tested lots throughout the 24-hour CAD challenge and managing our stress allowed us to focus and set objectives.

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Accomplishments That We're Proud Of

We are proud of developing a creative and beneficial solution within th 24hr timeslot. This Hero Kit design effectively addresses MDL Man's transportation issues while finding a balance between mobility, use, and efficiency. We overcame obstacles to create a smooth wheel mechanism using plastic bushings, demonstrating our abilities for creativity and adaptation.

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What’s Next for Hero Kit

There are chances to improve and expand this design in future updates. In order to make the design more durable and efficient, we would try to try other ball bearing like solutions. We also wish to design features like retractable wheels, better locking systems, braking systems, and aesthetic enhancements that compliment MDL Man's symbol. We think the SHH could be an exciting mobility tool for MDL Man and anybody else in need of effective, portable transportation given more time and funding.

Built With

• inventor
• powerpoint
• ultimakercura