Takes a pragmatic approach to design based on research and evidence to develop insightful projects which help solve real world problems.
Major project
Optimising Human Physical Performance During Exercise Through Cooling
COOLGRIP - The portable cooling device for athletes.
COOLGRIP lowers the users core temperature by cooling the blood circulating around the palm, the cool blood is sent back to the heart and out to the muscles. Cooling the muscle reduces fatigue allowing you to do more, faster, over longer periods of time.
Cool when you rest
COOLGRIP is designed to be used between training intervals. It can be used for both strength and endurance exercises. Holding the device for 2-3 minutes circulates cool blood around the body and lowers your core temperature reducing muscle fatigue.
The device is operated by the push of a button and will automatically reach the optimal cooling conditions for the user. COOLGRIPs compact design means it can be conveniently carried in your gym bag.
How does it work?
COOLGRIP cools the user with an aluminium pad which is in contact with their palm when they grip the device. The pad maintains its cool temperature with a thermoelectric cooling device known as a peltier module which is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Peltier modules radiate heat on one side and cool on the other. A heatsink is required to transport the heat energy away from the hot side. This heat energy is dissipated with a cooling channel created by two fans above and below it.
The cylindrical device has a flat side with a rubber strip down it making it comfortable to grip and can be placed on the ground without it rolling away.
Coolgrip comes in a variety of different colours so you can keep your cool no matter your style.
For more information about this project or the benefits of palm cooling please contact me via email.
Air vents are located on the top and bottom of the device so the cooling fans have adequate airflow. The air vents have removable filters which prevent water and dust getting into the system.
Toby Sayer
Major project
Optimising Human Physical Performance During Exercise Through Cooling
Work Experience
Prior to completing my studies at Loughborough University I worked for Cambridge Design Technology Ltd as a Product Designer. Cambridge Design Technology provided me with experience overseeing projects from conception to manufacture within restricted timescales. I lead multiple projects at a time and worked closely with clients to truly understand their users and needs. This enabled me to develop insightful, lateral and pragmatic solutions using my CAD modelling and analytical skills.
During my time there I worked with Cambridge University to redesign a piece of lab equipment as part of an open-source project to increase accessibility to the apparatus. The client wanted a microbial bioreactor that was more cost effective and accessible to laboratories for experimental and educational purposes. By identifying the core needs of the equipment, we streamlined the product for specific scenarios. This resulted in a cost saving of £15,000-30,000, therefore increasing the global accessibility of the product.