August - September 2021

Adaptable Spoon

02

Project Goal:

In three weeks, develop a spoon to allow teens (ages 12-18) with arthrogryposis to feed themselves independently using their available range of motions. Create a video to describe and demonstrate the final design solution. The spoon should have the following features:

Allows teens to eat comfortable and quickly
Hold a similar amount of food as typical spoon
Accommodates for various (limited) ranges of motion
Is light-weight and durable
Is low-cost
Is usable by teens with a weak grip

Team Members: Bryce Fitzpatrick and Madison Jaffrey (self)

Video

Design Process & Brainstorming

Design Criteria:

Size (length)

Size (width)

Capacity

Weight

Durability

Usability

Aesthetics

Cost

> 6.5 in, < 7.5 in

< 4 in (if crossbeam), < 2 in

Must hole 8-15 mL of liquid

< 80 grams

Withstand a 3 ft. drop

Must be easily gripped

Available in 3+ colors

< $20

Reasoning:

Range of average spoon, would fit in a dishwasher

Average spoon = 1.25-1.5 in., wider spoon would still fit in a dishwasher

Average range of spoon capacity

Average spoon = 25g, ergonomic grip would increase capacity

Must be durable if dropped while eating

Must be gripped with little to no finger flexion to be usable

Makes the product more enjoyable for teens

Low cost makes the spoon more accessible and production easier

Other Manufacturing Techniques

The majority of plastic spoons are injection molded which makes them durable and low cost
Metal spoons are cut from metal and pressed/formed into the correct shape. These spoons are mass-producible and low cost
Rubberized or foam handles are glued to a metal base. The glue used must be water-resistant and high temp-resistant for dish washers

Other Manufacturing Techniques

The majority of plastic spoons are injection molded which makes them durable and low cost
Metal spoons are cut from metal and pressed/formed into the correct shape. These spoons are mass-producible and low cost
Rubberized or foam handles are glued to a metal base. The glue used must be water-resistant and high temp-resistant for dish washers