A whirling invention

Learning Double Dutch jump roping is one of the challenges of childhood. How to make it is easier was a problem posed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student Tahira Reid.

Ms. Reid solved the problem by building the Automatic Double Dutch Turner, which uses four mechanical arms to move two ropes in syncopated rhythm.

Reid designed the toy in her Introduction to Engineering Design class, a sophomore course where students team up to build new inventions.

Reid is the first undergraduate student at Rennselaer to receive a patent. She is hoping to market the toy through a course she is taking called Inventor's Studio.

Reid and her teammates are analyzing design options that will lower manufacturing costs for the Automatic Double Dutch Turner.

Source: Rensselaer News & Ideas

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