Andrew Fork

thingiverse

The Andrew Fork is an innovative assistive device designed to make it easier for individuals with hand differences to cut food using a knife and fork in unison. Young Andrew Forest faced difficulties grasping a standard fork with his right hand, so he cleverly created a custom handle by shaping modeling clay around the utensil. To give it stability, his mom baked the assembly in the oven until it was rigid enough for Andrew to use comfortably. This ingenious solution sparked an idea that the invention could be beneficial for others facing similar challenges. We decided to utilize Tinkercad to develop a versatile fork handle design suitable for 3D printing. The design is compatible with forks available at the Dollar Tree store, sold in pairs for just $1. For optimal results, avoid using PLA filament as it may not withstand washing in a dishwasher. Instead, use ABS or Nylon filaments that allow for shrinkage during the printing process. If you're working with flexible materials like Cheetah or rigid filaments that don't shrink, try scaling the design to 0.9 on the x-axis in your slicer. If you don't have access to a 3D printer, consider reaching out to services like 3D Hubs or Shapeways for quotes or search online for local 3D printing services using your zip code. Feel free to modify and improve the design to fit your specific needs or explore other assistive devices that can be developed using the Tinkercad File. Andrew's invention has inspired a community of e-NABLE volunteers, who are working on creating innovative solutions for various tasks. Join our free and open-source community at Enabling The Future by visiting their website. We invite you to take up the challenge: design a simple yet secure fork handle that can accommodate a wide range of fork sizes and shapes. Remix the Tinkercad design for the 267 Fork Handle and see what creative solutions you can come up with.