Device Prototypes

Concept 1 – Rotating Pan Scrubber

This prototype is three sponges that are designed to rotate to help clean pans at the bottom of a sink. The sponges would electronically spin separately (Spin Video) to clean various parts of a pan. The white bottom would suction to the bottom of the sink to prevent movement, although this prototype does not have that feature available. This would be an accurate depiction of size, however in further prototypes the sponges would be moved closer together and the white bottom would not be as sloped as it is in this picture. From using this prototype, we discovered that the biggest challenge in this current device design is the possibility of one of the sponges breaking off. The spinning attachment that connects the sponge to the base and spins the sponge will not have as strong structural properties at the angle, and we could tell from using it that a user would rest a lot of weight on this attachment, leading to the possibility of it breaking. We did find that this device would be an effective method to clean pans using one hand and created a better ergonomic angle to wash them at (Demonstration Video).

Concept 2 – Magnetic Spatula Tool 

This tool was created in an effort to make it easier for users with only one mobile hand/arm to remove pans from the oven. Although this task could be done regularly with one hand, it could pose difficulties and danger, especially if the pan contains an unbalanced or heavy item. This prototype was created from a typical kitchen spatula and a cutting board. The two are attached and the spatula serves as a handle for the user while the cutting board provides more surface area to stabilize the pan being removed. In real life, the spatula will have a rubber handle so the user does not burn their hand and is able to get a good grip on the device. The cutting board part of the prototype would be magnetic in real life. The user will be able to open their oven and slide this device underneath their pan, magnetizing it to the pan. This will create more stability and allow the user to more easily pull their food out of the oven.

Concept 3 Electric Bottle Cap Opener

This prototyped concept will make it easier for users to twist off bottle caps with only one hand. The device is placed over the top of a bottle and uses an electric motor to spin off the cap. This device also clamps to the neck of the bottle to stabilize and prevent the bottle from spinning while force is being applied to the cap. The user will press a small button on the handle of the device which will turn on the electric and clamp down on the bottle neck and spin the cap off. This prototype visualizes the size of the device and shows how it would be placed on a bottle that needs to be opened.

Concept 4 – Trash Bag Securing Apparatus 

This prototype is use to help someone be able to secure a trash bag with on hand. The idea is used that the two ends of the device will hook onto the part of the trash bag that has loops. Once the person has the loops in the hooks then they just pull straight up to close the bag. Then after they can put the two hooks together and it would be able to seal the trash bag closed so that nothing will come out of the bag. Pictured below is a picture of the prototype by itself, there is a grip on the side that a person is suppose to hold to be more comfortable. The other picture is it in action pulling up on the two loops to close the trash bag.

Concept 5 – Magnetic Bottle Brush

This idea would allow the user to wash different types of dishes in the sink, specifically bottles and glasses. The bottom is a magnetic base so it can stick to the sink, either side or bottom.  The brush can be adjusted by length to accommodate different kinds of dishware as seen in the Display Video. In the Demonstration Video, the magnetic bottom, currently represented by duct tape, is placed in the sink after being adjusted for the appropriate size for the cup that was pre-rinsed and now needs washed. The user simply has to move the cup up and down so the bristles of the brush can wash the cup. From, this design we recognized this has one-dimensional use, so to build upon that we took inspiration from 6-in-1 screwdrivers. Further prototyping led to coming up with different head types, one for drying, one hard wire for tough scraping a and different original brush sizes for plates and bowls. These could be swapped magnetically and allow for further customization and a growing market for the product. The prototyped versions of the drying and hard wire heads can be found below. We find this to be an effective method for individuals that can not scrub and hold the glass, do not have a dishwasher, or are looking for a quick manual wash.

Concept 6 – Over the shoulder lifting strap

This tool is designed to allow amputees to move heavy pots and pans around their kitchens. The design includes a lifting strap and a pole to distance hot pots and pans from the user. The pole, as seen in figure 1, has a clip on the end of it which attaches to the pan and the other side rest on the users stomach to maintain distance between the hot object and the user. The strap, as seen in figure 2, has a carabiner on the end which can be clipped to the handle of whatever the user is trying to carry, allowing them to distribute the weight evenly and equally across two points instead of one. Figure 3, shown below, is an example of this prototype being used as intended. The original idea for this tool did not include the bar to separate the pot from the user when it is hot. However, continued prototyping and brainstorming revealed it to be necessary as without it the pot would rest against the users body, possibly resulting in burns.