2024 Galleries

The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.

FlexiVent

Finalist

Competition: Spark:Fall/Winter Student
Designer: Ryan Pang
Design Type: Product & industrial
Company / Organization / School: Orange Cube Art
Team Members: Ryan Pang

FlexiVent is an innovative, self-sustaining ventilation system that harnesses the power of a Stirling engine to improve indoor air quality, especially in homes relying on open fires for cooking. Traditional cooking methods, particularly in rural and off-grid areas, can lead to smoke buildup and the accumulation of harmful pollutants, which negatively impact respiratory health and overall quality of life. FlexiVent addresses this problem by using a Stirling engine, which operates without electricity, converting thermal energy from the stove’s heat into mechanical motion. FlexiVent’s design includes an extendable spring duct and a built-in fan that work together to actively draw out smoke and airborne particles, efficiently ventilating indoor spaces. The extendable duct can adapt to different room layouts and cooking setups, making it a versatile solution for a variety of home environments. This system is particularly beneficial in regions where power supply is limited or unreliable, as it requires no external energy source to function. By providing an eco-friendly, low-maintenance solution, FlexiVent promotes better health and a cleaner indoor environment, empowering households in underserved areas to cook more safely and comfortably. Its robust, adaptable design offers a sustainable way to improve air quality in diverse settings worldwide.