The role of 3D printing in my inventions

In the rural landscape of eastern North Carolina, Lydia Denton challenges the notion that children's ideas are insignificant. From childhood curiosity to the invention of a life-saving car seat, Lydia's journey inspires. Part 1 of his incredible journey delves into his early years of curiosity and creativity, culminating in the development of the Beat the Heat car seat, a groundbreaking invention aimed at preventing heat deaths in automobiles. In Part 2discover how Lydia's limitless imagination continues to drive inventive solutions to real-world dilemmas, including the role of 3D printing.

When I was just 10 years old, I was sharing my ideas all over the world – on TV and on Zoom calls everywhere! People were interested in what I had to say! Being recognized opened a whole new world for me. One of the best parts was receiving it on my own 3D printer. By designing custom parts, logos, cases, and more, I was able to take my prototypes to the next level. I couldn't wait to incorporate my new technology into my inventions!

3D printing played a huge role in my next nationally recognized invention, the Picadae helmet. One morning, lying in my bed, the sun had barely risen, I heard incessant pecking. A woodpecker was attacking the metal basketball hoop in our driveway. As I lay there, thinking about the fate of that woodpecker, my brain shifted gears and wondered why a bird could withstand repeated collisions without suffering brain injuries, but humans suffer concussions. My research led me to create a helmet based on the skull of a woodpecker. The National Hockey League hosted a competition during COVID and it was a virtual science fair. I was eager to get in and used a small portable sensor tool to collect data on impact forces and interlocking plates designed and printed using my 3D printer. They were designed to distribute the force of impact and slow the deceleration/acceleration of the skull of the player wearing them. The 3D printer offered me the opportunity to leave craft supplies behind and actually design and print my own custom pieces.

Since then, the 3D printer has become an integral part of my inventions. I still have my trusty notebook and sketch my designs, but I've moved away from cardboard and tape and into the wonderful world of 3D printing. The ease of designing and then modifying the models I create means that the iterations of my prototypes are better than ever. The prototypes also look more like what I imagine in my mind and the visual representation helps me communicate my ideas more clearly.

It's very exciting to learn about 3D printing! The idea that we could create human-shaped proteins using a 3D printer, or print heart valves for those who have defective valves, or print cell scaffolds so that a person born without an ear can have one… the possibilities are endless. Yes, we all dream big.

I'm sure there is a 2North Dakota A student in a classroom somewhere, tearing off tape and banging on computers who will dare to come up with the next big invention. Giving kids like me access to amazing tools like 3D printers helps us develop the skills we need to succeed in the world of engineering. These tools also give us the confidence to share our ideas with this world. Educators around the world can use equipment like this to help kids like me prototype our ideas. Scientists can guide us and help us grow.

Confident and creative children become confident and creative adults. Creativity and the ability to communicate ideas are skills that must be cultivated and will grow over time. While you may start out like me, with your first invention protecting your Halloween candy, soon your ideas will grow to solve problems in your communities and the world.

Has Lydia's story inspired you to try 3D printing? Explore the new MimioSTEM Robo E4 and E4 Pro 3D printers from Boxlight. Click here: Robo 3D E4 and E4 Pro