Concept Generation and Selection of CMT Eating Utensils Submitted to: Dr. Daudi Waryoba Team 5: Nanna Bush, Noah Gordon, Wes Russell Date: February 1, 2016

Information & Assumptions Problems someone with CMT may have ●Muscle wasting – eventually due to muscle loss, the thumb and fingers will curl into the palm. This makes holding things difficult, maybe be able to hold utensils by fisting around a larger handle ●Loss of finite motor skills – have trouble grasping onto flat items on a flat surface, can’t grasp small objects ●Reduced sense of touch – loss of sensitivity in hands, numbness. May not be able to feel what they are holding, how loose or tight their grip is, or the temperature of what they are holding Sources: tooth/signs-and-symptomshttps:// tooth/signs-and-symptoms Assumptions ● The individual can hold onto a larger utensil handle ● The individual can get their hand into a slip on strap attached to a utensil ● Individual may need someone else’s assistance to get hold of a utensil handle ● Individual may need help to slip on a strap attached to a utensil Source: disease/ disease/

Problem Statement Goal: Design a means to assist a person suffering with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease to use utensils to eat food independently with convenience and at modest cost. Objectives: slip resistant modest cost no significant damage after washing retain durability multi-purpose Constraints: weigh less than 5 ounces function after being dropped on a hard surface must not inflict more undue pain to the user must be able to be used individually or with the help of only one person Customer needs: ● Easily grippable ● Easy to use ● Reasonable price ● Washable

Existing Products Eating Utensil Hand Clip Source: The Utensil Hand Clip is an excellent eating aid for people who have trouble grasping and holding small utensils. This spring-action plastic clip fits the hand snugly without pinching. The clear vinyl pocket holds the handle of your spoon or fork. Specifications: Measures: 5 inches long, 1 inch wide. Color: White. Material: Plastic with vinyl pocket. Includes: Utensil Hand Clip (spoon is not included.) Universal Utensil Strap Source: This nylon strap is ideal for those who require assistance in holding utensils due to limited grip. The hook and loop closure used in this product is comparable to the Velcro® brand hook and loop closure. Velcro® is a registered Trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. Specifications: ● Durable nylon strap ● End wraps around utensil using hook & loop closure ● Adjustable hook & loop strap creates the proper size hand loop for a secure fit to hand ● Can be used with a variety of utensils ● Adjustable to fit most hands

Existing Products (cont’d) Closed Cell Foam Tubing Hand Grips, 6/Package Source: 6_Package.html 6_Package.html This closed-cell foam tubing is a versatile cushioning material for building up eating utensils, toothbrushes, razors, pens, and many other hard-to- grasp handles. Built-up handles give greater control to people who lack coordination, strength, or gripping ability. Specifications: ● Builds up tool and utensil handles ● Cushion grip increases softness for an improved grip ● Each tube is 12" in length (can be cut to desired size) ● Slip-resistant "Skin" ● Dishwasher Safe!! ● 6 tubes to a package ● Assorted Sizes for various uses Adaptive Comfort Grip Utensils Source: The Adaptive Comfort Grip Utensils have designed a range of cutlery with a foam grip handle and stainless steel finish. It is also possible to purchase the set in the regular straight version or the angled one. ● Fork Weight: 4 ounces ● Fork Length: 9 inches ● Foam Handle Diameter: 1.25 inches Comfort Grip Utensils Source: The angled version is made for those with limited upper extremity movement and grasping ability, enabling them to eat independently with comfort. Angled utensils are available in both right and left handed versions of the spoons and fork. The comfort grip handle on the utensils provides a cushioned grip for those who lack the ability to grasp tightly with their hands such as Arthritis. The special adaptive utensils are lightweight, with soft non slip rubbery surface. The fork is 9 inches in length and weighs slightly more than 4 ounces each. The spoons are 8 inches. The large, firm, foam handles are 1.25 inches in diameter. These utensils are dishwasher safe.

Idea Generation Fork or spoon with larger handle A larger slip on handle to use with standard utensils A knife with rounded blade and larger handle that can be rocked to cut Fork or spoon with a foam handle and elastic band Fork or Spoon with a large, soft handle and adjustable wrist strap Removable handle and strap

Concept Screening Matrix Concepts Selection Criteria A (Reference) Utensil hand clip B Utensil with larger handle C Slip on utensil handle D Rounded blade knife w/lg handle E Utensil with foam handle and elastic band F Utensil with a large, soft handle and adjustable wrist strap Ease of use Ease of handling Durability Multi-purpose Cost Sum +'s Sum 0's Sum -'s Net Score Rank Continue? yesnoyescombine yes

Concept Scoring Matrix Concepts A (Reference) Utensil hand clip C slip on utensil handle D E Utensils with foam handle and elastic band F Utensil with a large, soft handle and adjustable wrist strap CriteriaWeightRating Weighted ScoreRating Weighted ScoreRating Weighted ScoreRating Weighted Score Ease of use25% Ease of handling25% Durability15% Multi-purpose20% Cost15% Total Score Rank Continue? NO DEVELOPNO

Final Concept Concept DE: Utensils with foam handle and elastic band, along with rounded blade knife with large grips Features: All three major utensils Large foam grips Adjustable elastic band Easy cutting knife It features more comfortable and ergonomic designs to previous devices allowing for easier means of use, handling, and it is more multipurpose than competitors since it includes use of all three utensils.