During the spring semester, 25 students from SCSU participated in the fifth Huskies Invent. For this semester, Thermo-Tech Windows and Doors of Sauk Rapids sponsored this 48-hour invent-a-thon. The event, designed to foster creativity and problem-solving, focused on five challenges presented by Thermo-Tech, a company known for producing high-quality windows and doors since 1993.
After receiving briefings of the five challenges from Thermo-Tech mentors, each student selected the project that they wanted to work on, then divided themselves into five teams. They quickly got to work, brainstorming and developing innovative solutions. Natalie Zettles, a participant, noted that “Our team clicked together well, and the support was incredibly helpful.”
The five challenges included:
- Improving the application of a window vapor barrier and seal
- Enhancing break force testing methods of vinyl welds
- Optimizing screw ergonomics and presentation for assemblers
- Improving product traceability to minimize lost items
- Accelerating the assembly of pins and springs
The event also featured the guidance of four faculty members — Mark Schroll, Mark Petzold, Dale Buske and Kurt Helgeson. Their expertise, combined with mentorship from four Thermo-Tech employees, provided the students with invaluable insights into real-world industrial challenges.
Thermo-Tech’s commitment to the event was underscored by their enthusiasm to work with the students. Mentors stayed later than they had planned and were energized by the students’ dedication.
“This is a win, win, win,” said Michael Cambronne, director of operations at Thermo-Tech. “Students benefit from exposure, the company benefits from support on project and employees benefit from the experience.”
Two teams received special recognition awards from Thermo-Tech for their outstanding efforts. A participation award was given to the team that tackled the product traceability challenge, while a teamwork award went to the team that worked on the pins and springs challenge. While two teams received special recognition, “Each of the ideas presented had real and sincere merit,” according to Mark Schroll.
When asked what went well with Huskies Invent, student Zachary Sunder said, “Being able to test the ideas we came up with and receive feedback and help to realize those ideas from both the people at Thermo-Tech and SCSU.”
Allowing students the freedom to explore solutions while receiving support is a significant component of not just developing an creative mindset, but also ensuring that creative ideas can be implemented. Huskies Invent bridges creativity to the reality of problem solving by partnering experienced industry experts to eager students looking to apply their knowledge to a real challenge.
In the end, the high satisfaction from both students and Thermo-Tech shows the value of pairing students and external partners. Michael Cambronne said that his team is working to move three of the five solutions proposed by Huskies Invent student teams to the next phase of implementation by putting resources into them.
When another student participant, Sauharda Shrestha, was asked what could be improved with Huskies Invent, he simply said, “Do it more often!”
