With plans to study engineering in college, Quakertown Community High School senior Jaxon Torres is taking his studies to the next level through the creation of a door lock block plate – a small device to provide increased security during a school emergency.
Torres is participating in a field study at the high school taught by Christopher Polk, Tech-Ed and Pre-Engineering Teacher. The project is also part of the Career Pathways program at the high school which prepares students to positively contribute to and lead a competitive global workforce.
Torres was inspired by the project of former student Emelia Graham, who created a device that allowed the double doors in the high school classrooms to be kept open with the lock engaged. When Adam Schmucker, Principal of Trumbauersville Elementary School, requested a similar design specific for his school doors, Torres enthusiastically took on the redesign and 3D fabrication of the door lock solution to fit the new application.
“At first, I was worried about taking measurements and then drawing and printing a solution. I was definitely nervous about checking the first prototype to see if it worked,” Torres said. “I was very excited when the first prototype worked as expected, and this experience has definitely helped me to become more confident in my abilities to solve problems.”
The device created by Torres is a small orange plate that attaches to doors to secure the classroom faster in case of an immediate need. With these devices, the classroom doors can remain locked but still allow students and staff to flow in and out of the classrooms during the school routines. Then, when needed, the door lock block plate is removed in one quick motion and the classroom doors are quickly locked and secure – without having to take time to use keys to lock the doors. The lock block plate is not a lock itself, but it holds the door, so the actual lock system of the door doesn’t engage.
Torres was on-site at Trumbauersville Elementary School in early September to measure doors and test out a prototype of his design to determine the next steps in the creation process.
“It was a fantastic start to the school year to see a young person so capable, passionate and driven to use his schooling to help others,” Schmucker said.
Torres’ initiative aligns with Quakertown Community School District’s mission to prepare all students with the knowledge, habits and skills they need to graduate ready for college or career and for engaged citizenship. By taking on this project, he engages with and supports his local community.
“Trumbauersville Elementary School and the whole Quakertown Community School District community are fortunate to have Jaxon and his engineering abilities in our community,” Schmucker said.