Mechanical engineers who changed gears to design COVID-19 ventilators

阿曼巴蒂&本·弗雷泽|机械学士Engineering and Bachelor of Industrial Design

Two double degrees, one lasting friendship

"I didn't know much about engineering. But I did know I wanted to make things," recalls Ben.

“我一直感兴趣的端到端支持duction process. From developing ideas to figuring out little details to manufacturing final products."

When Ben read the course guide for Monash's mechanical engineering and industrial design double degree, he knew instantly:that'sthe course for him.

But for Aman, things unfolded a little differently. Aman knew precisely that he wanted to work in the automotive industry.

Before his university studies, Aman was unsure whether he needed to become an industrial designer or a mechanical engineer. So Monash’s double degree presented the pathway he needed to pursue his dream.

两人开始双degr相同ees in 2015 and quickly became friends.

Hands-on learning with Monash Motorsport

Aman's university highlight was his time in the Monash Motorsport (MMS) student-led team – building a race car to compete in the world's largest engineering design competition.

He contributed to the project as a Junior Suspension Engineer, learning to manufacture and assemble the 2018 race car. The project taught Aman about valuable metal-working techniques and introduced him to carbon fibre manufacturing.

"At MMS, I actually built components for the car. This was a fantastic learning experience to apply engineering theory in a real project,” says Aman.

"We were all working towards a common goal. It was very fulfilling to be part of a larger movement like that.”

Internships and industry insights

During their tertiary pathways, Ben and Aman both secured internships with General Motors at its Port Melbourne design centre.

Ben spent time rotating between the Prototype Build Engineering, Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, and Fabrication teams.

"Working with the incredible designers and engineers from Holden shaped the kind of engineer I aspire to be," says Ben.

"That industry exposure helped me define the career path I'm now pursuing."

Aman worked with the Prototype Build Engineering team. Together, the pair contributed towards the Buick Smart Pod show car, which was shown at the 2021 China International Automobile Exhibition.

From vehicles to ventilators (to the Good Design Awards)

In 2020, as the pandemic worsened, hospital ventilators were in low supply and high demand.

So when it came to their final year project, Ben and Aman’s supervisor suggested they shift focus to design a low-cost ventilation device.

“Initially, we felt daunted by the task, knowing the range of ventilator designs that were already available from other teams and universities,” recalls Ben.

“But we soon found a niche where we could apply our knowledge about rapid prototyping manufacturing and industrial design.”

Using their project management skills – gained from their time at General Motors – Ben and Aman defined their project scope, broke down tasks and set deadlines for deliverables.

So despite the challenges of working at home throughout much of their project, the pair pushed on. Solving problems over Zoom and sharing CAD files via Google Drive.

The result? They designed AddiVent, a mechanical ventilator that can be manufactured cheaply and quickly through crowdsourcing. When hospitals need more ventilators, community members with access to 3D printers can volunteer to produce vital components.

In 2021, Good Design Australia recognised the innovative solution, presenting Ben and Aman with a Good Design Award in the Next Gen: Product Design category.

"We submitted our design to the awards on a whim. When AddiVent won, we were extremely surprised and honoured," recalls Ben.

They also entered AddiVent in the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, where Ben and Aman were named finalists in the Student Design category.

The road ahead

In February 2022, Aman joined Ford Australia's graduate program as a Graduate Designer – and realised his dream of working in an automotive design studio.

He is working in the Interior Creative Design team, where he’s applying a complex combination of engineering and industrial design skills.

Meanwhile, Ben joined medical equipment manufacturer Invetech as a mechanical engineer where he’s designing commercial-scale diagnostic products.

Reflecting on his time at Monash, Ben encourages students to apply for internships and gain professional experience while studying.

"When I got out into the world, I finally figured out what I wanted to do. After I did, everything clicked and classes became much easier,” says Ben.

"So find a way to incorporate your interests and passions into your course. You only get out what you put in.”

Want to see where an engineering degree can take you?Learn more about mechanical engineering with Monash.