Adaptive Silverware Handle

thingiverse

I'm Excited to Enter the Assistive Technology Challenge Today Millions of people struggle with everyday activities due to various hand issues caused by arthritis, injury or illness. One major challenge they face is using basic household items like silverware, which can be incredibly difficult to handle. To address this issue, I've created adaptive handles that allow individuals with dexterity problems to use their regular silverware without having to purchase expensive specialized sets from commercial companies. These ergonomic grips cater specifically to those with weak grip strength, slippery fingers or even thumb amputees. By attaching your silverware to the base of the handle using just a couple of rubber bands, you can effortlessly hold onto it even with limited hand function. The handle itself is designed for seamless use in both hands, allowing users to comfortably grasp their silverware without exerting excessive grip pressure. This design has been developed by me and Ty Lendit specifically for the #AssistiveTech Assistive Technology Challenge. With our creation, anyone can easily pick up and hold ordinary silverware items like forks and knives using only one hand, or even none at all! To bring these handles to life, you'll need a 3D printer that can produce high-quality ABS or Nylon parts, though PLA is also compatible. Be sure to adjust your print settings as needed: - Resolution: Choose from .2 - .4 mm - Infill Density: Select anywhere between 0 and 5% - Rafting Options: Yes (with a preference for brim-free building) - Support Materials: Optional, though not necessary for most prints During Post-Printing Operations As I Developed This Project, My Goal Was to Design Something That Could be Held with No Grip at All in the Hand. This Assistive Device was originally created in AutoCAD 2014. Inspired by numerous other hand-held utensil designs discovered on Thingiverse, it was clear that a user-friendly design should fit perfectly between the index finger and small finger. Thus, it could effectively support and assist individuals with impaired hand function. For a seamless printing experience, I suggest measuring the distance between your middle and ring fingers, then adjusting the handle's size accordingly (it is set at 45 mm by default). Add a comfortable amount of space for your fingers by accounting for an additional 2-3 mm. This customized grip can be easily resized to fit anyone's hand. This Adaptative Handle Was Designed To Provide Maximum Support When Placed In The Hand When properly positioned in the user's hand, this design leverages the natural resistance between the fingers to keep everything in place - a highly efficient and simple mechanism that minimizes strain on the user's hands. The adaptive handle accommodates users without the use of their thumbs and has been crafted for left-handed or right-handed use alike, allowing for versatility in both eating experiences and kitchen functions. I Am Pleased to Present This Innovative Assistive Technology Device