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do-it-yourself

D4E1 Cookie Aid

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D4E1 Cookie Aid is designed for users with limited upper extremity, strength and coordination as a result of cerebral palsy or a brain injury.

Technical Specifications: 

MATERIALS

  • 1 Panel of Multiplex (600 millimeters x 600 millimeters x 6 millimeters). Other materials could also be used but we chose to use multiplex because it is cheap, strong enough, easy to work with, and looks great. Specifically we used Poplar multiplex. Acrylic materials could also be used to make the product washable as a whole or give it a different appeal.
  • 1 Sheet of Polypropylene: (720 millimeters x 320 millimeters x 1 millimeters). The author purchased the materials at a local arts and crafts store.
  • 1 Aluminum tube (Ø 10 millimeters x 200 millimeters). The author bought theirs at a hardware store.
  • 1 Plastic cooking spoon. The author chose plastic because it is cheaper then the metal versions and its easier to adapt its shape.
  • Some thick rubber bands. Any rubber band or bracelet that is relatively strong can be used.
  • 3 Suction cups
  • 21 x M3 nuts
  • 13 x M3x30 bolts
  • 2 x M3x16 bolts

 

TOOLS

  • Laser cutter. Most commonly available in a Fablab (could be found on this site). By using a laser cutter we speed up the production process and enable ourselves to use "smart" connection methods.
  • Glue. Wood glue is preferred, but other kinds of glue could also work.
  • Hammer
  • Cutting tool. The author used a Dremel, but another tool could also be used such as a cutter knife.

 

LASERCUTTING

The laser cutter is used to create the needed parts out of triplex and polypropylene.

Files for Multiplex: The files are provided with different options to mount the product on a table surface. It is possible to mount it using table clamps, suction cups or just the weight of the product itself (No Mount). We prefer to suction cups because of their stability. But on some surfaces they simply don't work. The files are available in various formats for each option:

  • Illustrator (editable)
  • PDF
  • EPS

 

Some remarks: 

  • By using illustrator the files can be edited. This is interesting if you have a different size of table clamps or if you want the product at a different height.
  • When you change the height, take in mind that the distance from the axis of the container to the mechanical parts needs to remain the same.

 

Files for Polypropylene: The files are available in various formats for each option:

  • Illustrator (editable)
  • PDF
  • EPS

 

CUTTING THE ALUMINIUM

Cut 2 parts from the aluminum tube: one with a length of 30 millimeters, and one with a length of 135 millimeters. The 30 millimeters tube will be used as an axis for a ratchet mechanism. The 135 millimeters will be the axis for the container.

ASSEMBLE THE CONTAINER

Now that we have the individual parts, we can start to assemble them.

  1. First mount the gear without the arrow on the aluminum tube.
  2. Drill out the holes a bit so the M3x30 bolt fit completely in the first gear.
  3. Glue the second gear (with the arrow) on the first gear.
  4. Slide one of the polypropylene circles on the axis until the bolts fit in the holes.
  5. Slide the other polypropylene circle on the axis.
  6. Connect the long laser cut polypropylene part using the snap connections.
  7. Put the small laser cut wooden part on the aluminum tube to keep everything on its place. All the steps are documented with photographs.

 

ASSEMBLE THE HANDLE

  1. Place the small aluminum tube on the hole of the handle. Keep in mind to do it at the right side (as seen in the pictures).
  2. Place the small circle on the base of the handle.

 

ASSEMBLE THE MECHANISM

  1. Glue the 2 big gears together. Take account that it's important that you do this in the right direction (as seen in the pictures)
  2. Glue the small polypropylene parts into the bigger gear.

 

CREATE THE PERFECT SPOON

Change the spoon shape so its ideal for the client. In our case we removed the 2 parts on the side so it would be easier to eat from for Olivier. Extra information is provided on the photo itself.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

All steps are also documented throughout the series of pictures. That way, you can be sure everything is mounted correctly. 1. Slide the axis of the handle 9 through the side panel 7 2. Mount the big gear from the mechanism assembly 8 on the small aluminum tube 9. Make sure that it rotates freely. 3. Hammer the small gear-like part 8 on the aluminum rod 9. 4. Fit the side panels 7 on the front legs 2. 5. Carefully slide the back leg 1 on the already assembled parts. 6. Add the stabilizer 2 at the bottom. 7. Add a rubber band around the handle as shown in the picture. 8. Add a rubber band at the back leg 1. 9. Add the part to fasten the spoon 4 with 2 M3x15 bolts and 2 M3 nuts. 10. Place the spoon 12 in the assembly and fasten it with the fixation part 4 and the rubber band at the back. 11. Finish the handle by mounting the extra parts 6 and fasten them with 2 M3x30 bolts and 2 M3 nuts. 12. Follow the steps shown in the last three pictures to assemble 5 and 11. This is the fixation with suction cups.

RESULTS

The Cookie Aid made it possible for Oliver to eat cookies by his self. This seems to be a little task in the daily life but it gives more freedom to the client and makes his life more enjoyable. Olivier also needs to stretch and move in particular way to be able to use the Cookie Aid which has a positive effect on his muscles. Information about the design process can be found on our blog. http://koekjeshulp2015.blogspot.be/

Special thanks to: Olivier W. Project made by: Robbe D. C., Niel L., Giulia l. G. and Ermien C.

Available

Price Check
Price: 
0.00
as of: 
12/28/2015
Additional Pricing Notes: 
Price of materials and tools.
Seller(s): 
D4E1 Cookie Aid