2015 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.
Galleries // 2015 Spark:Concept // Vald
Vald
Winner - Platinum
Competition: Spark:Concept
Designer: Emin Demirci
Design Type:
Company / Organization / School: ArtCenter College of Design
Website: http://www.em-in.com
Vald is a wearable self-rescuer that supplies oxygen up to 24 hours in the case of a miner getting stuck underground. It uses a catalyst grill that (recently developed by a University of Southern California Professor) splits 70% concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) into oxygen (O2) and water (H20) without using any outside power. In other words, it reconsiders breathing equipment and offers a longer lasting oxygen source by using different materials and working principle. If there is an explosion in an underground mine, it generates carbon monoxide (CO) that kills people instantly. In a case of accident, there are two options available. One is (if a miner close to the entrance of mine) putting your self-rescuer on and run as fast as you can towards exit. Second is (if you are not in the proximity exit) going to a refuge chamber (safe haven). However, there is no working solution to keep miners alive, if they get trapped and unable to move.
