In the world of innovation, inspiration can strike from anywhere. For a team of educators from Indiana, that inspiration led them to create "Spring©," a disguised IV stand designed to bring a touch of normalcy and cheer for homecare patients.
The Mallorys – Drew Goodin, Andy Mundell, Amanda Bowling, and Gregg Nowling – aren't your typical educators. Their journey began in 2021 when they competed in the intense 48-hour competition. Emerging victorious, they didn't stop there. Driven by their passion for their invention and a desire to see it make a real-world impact, they embarked on the long road to securing a patent.
I had the opportunity to chat with one of the team members about their experience, from the initial spark of an idea to their hopes for the future of "Spring."
The Beginning
The Mallorys took first place in the Eli Lilly Empowering Health @ Home challenge at the 2021 Indianapolis-Make48 competition. Fast forward to today, and their innovative design has earned them a United States patent! This incredible achievement is a testament to their dedication.
It all started with a simple observation – the cold, sterile look of a traditional IV stand. The team envisioned a way to camouflage these necessary medical devices, transforming them into something more uplifting and aesthetically pleasing. "I initially thought the idea was dumb," Gregg confessed, "but I trusted my teammates with every fiber of my being, and I was obviously wrong… well, not wrong on trusting them!"
Driven by the desire to create a more comfortable healing space, The Mallorys reimagined this essential piece of medical equipment. Their faith in each other led them to develop the plant concept, “Spring,” which features a button-activated telescoping IV pole, a hidden hands-free telehealth stand, an IV pump mount, and even a thermometer and pulse oximeter, all while maintaining the appearance of natural foliage.
The Patent Process
Securing a patent is no easy feat.
It requires dedication, meticulous documentation, and a healthy dose of patience. For this team, the process was a true testament to their perseverance.
"Drew was the one that spearheaded the patent process and made sure it stayed on track and got done," Gregg shared. "That said, it was something we all wanted. We started the process around the time of season 5 nationals nearly 3 years ago."
The motivation behind pursuing a patent was twofold. "One, I wanted to be able to say I have a patent. It's a huge deal and something I get to wear as a badge of honor for life," Gregg explained. "Two, and probably more importantly, I get to experience the full spectrum of the process that I'm trying to teach my students about as engineers."
A Teacher's Perspective
As educators, the team from PPHS Purdue High School brought a unique set of skills to the Make48 competition. Their experience in collaborative learning and problem-solving proved invaluable during the intense 48-hour challenge.
"I think everything we do as teachers culminated in making us successful on both of our Make48 weekends," Gregg reflected. "We essentially used what is called an Engineering Design Process or Loop, which is what we teach our students every cycle." Their Make48 victory and subsequent patent serve as a powerful real-world example for their students, demonstrating the effectiveness of the engineering design process.
Now that "Spring" is patented, the team is eager to see their invention make a positive impact on patients and healthcare spaces. "I think my goal would be to find some healthcare business who wants to license (or even buy) our design and bring it to market," Gregg shared. "Ideally, I'd be happiest to see versions that are in every children's hospital in the world. I think we could have a lot of fun with variations of the patent and put a lot of smiles on kids' faces. "Beyond children's hospitals, the team envisions "Spring" bringing comfort and joy to patients of all ages, including those in assisted living facilities.
More Than Just an Invention
The Make48 experience has been more than just a competition for this team of educators. It's been an opportunity to forge lasting relationships and contribute to something meaningful.
"I love the relationships we've all built because of this… both with the Make48 family and how we've grown closer as friends," Gregg expressed. "I love seeing every new team that wins and am particularly happy to see that the program is aimed towards students. We had fun as adults, but it's more fun watching kids be successful at this."
Reflecting on their journey, Greg shared, "I've had many exciting experiences, but this accomplishment and the incredible people I collaborated with make me immensely proud. Our team dynamic was amazing, and the support we received along the way was invaluable. As educators, we're used to working together towards a common goal, and that synergy truly fueled our success."
The story of "Spring" is a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and a passion for making a difference. This team of educators has not only created an innovative product but also inspired countless students along the way. As "Spring" continues to blossom, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of a team who dared to imagine a brighter future for healthcare spaces.
Congratulations to Amanda, Andy, Drew, and Gregg on this well-deserved recognition! Their story is an inspiration to educators and innovators alike, proving that with passion, teamwork, and a little ingenuity, anything is possible.
Watch the entire 2021 Indianapolis episode on the Make48 YouTube Channel