Invention Idea Library
Title: Mobile Robotic application for drywall installation, home construction
Inventor: Stephen Canfield
Area of technical development: technology invention is a combination of robotic wall
climbing, mobility and low-cost position sensing for non-ferrous, generally smooth
surfaces
Commercial need/Applications: drywall finishing is primarily a manual task requiring long hours, lifting and inhalation
of dust. Labor reduction will reduce associated costs from mechanization. Target customer
is contractors or companies in this field.
Status: partially patented
Contact Info: Stephen Canfield, scanfield@tntech.edu
Title: Mobile Robotic application for home decoration, home construction
Inventor: Stephen Canfield
Area of technical development: technology invention is a combination of robotic wall
climbing, mobility and low-cost position sensing for non-ferrous, generally smooth
surfaces, paint application
Commercial need/Applications: Wall paper provides alternative to flat paint but is
expensive to remove or replace. Mechanized application of painted wall paper or trim
is enabled through this robotic application and invention. Target customer is home
owner.
Status: partially patented
Contact Info: Stephen Canfield, scanfield@tntech.edu
Title: Bike-type Exercise device for child with lower-body immobility
Inventor: Stephen Canfield
Area of technical invention: Integration of compliant joints and multi-wheeled system
to gain propulsion from weight shifting rather than traditional pedaling.
Commercial Need/Application: Exercise opportunities for children with special needs
that are more inclusionary. Target customer is specialty store/catalog
Status: submitted IP disclosure
Contact Info: Stephen Canfield, scanfield@tntech.edu
Title: Automating ear mold manufacture for children with hearing disabilities
Inventor: Stephen Canfield
Area of technical invention: Integration of scanning, SLA printing and predictive
software to manufacture earmolds in 1-2 hour time frame at the doctor or therapists
office.
Commercial Need/Application: Current ear molds take 2-3 weeks for a typical family. The goal is to automate this
process with a low-cost solution that is available in a therapist or doctor’s office
and allows the molds to be designed and manufactured while the customer waits (1-2
hours). Target customer is outpatient service clinics
Status: partially patented
Contact Info: Stephen Canfield, scanfield@tntech.edu
