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Accessible Zipper

Project information
  • Possible technologies involved:
    3D printing, machining.
  • Project Type: General
  • Expected prototype budget: $50
  • Expected project cost: $25
Client Information
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Project background
This client interacts with many individuals who have unilateral limb loss, the injuries range from digit (finger loss) to entire upper extremity limb loss.  Many of them have given feedback that it is difficult to zip up a hoodie or light jacket, even with the current strategies/devices that are available. The client is looking for improvements on the current strategies to make the process easier for the users.

Here are their current strategies:
  1.  Pre-zip: Pre-zip the bottom of the hoodie BEFORE donning hoodie. Then pull over head and continue to zip up with unaffected hand. 
  2.  Pressure: Apply pressure with residual limb (if possible) to stabilize base of hoodie while using unaffected hand to insert zipper into the base. Then shift pressure over the base of the inserted zipper while pulling up with unaffected hand.
  3.  Rope with clamp: Attach a long loop of rope/cord to a clamp. Place clamp on zipper base side of hoodie. Then step on rope that is attached to clamp to apply pressure to stabilize base of hoodie. Use unaffected hand to zip up. 
  4.  Loop and hook: Sew loop of thin elastic/cord on base of hoodie where zipper base is. Attach wrist cuff with small hook onto affected residual limb. Insert the hook into the loop and pull down to stabilize, while using unaffected hand to zip up. 
  5.  Alternative for Loop and hook: Attach small hook to jeans and insert that hook into the loop on base of hoodie. Then use affected hand to zip up. 
  6.  Buy magnetic hoodie: Buy adaptive hoodie with magnet base which attracts the zipper to the base and then zip up with unaffected hand. 
Examples of magnetic jackets ready for purchase: 

Your task is to design a device that can assist people with unilateral limb loss to zip up a hoodie. It must be able to be effective for multiple types of injuries. It must be easy and intuitive to use. It must be rugged and easy to clean (if applicable).
Past attempts
There has been no previous attempt to solving this problem. / Il n'y a pas de tentatives précédentes pour résoudre ce problème.

Accessible Zipper

Proposed by jboud030

Proposed on Sep 16 2024

Contact: makerlab@uottawa.ca

Categories

GNG2101/GNG2501
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Repositories Created From This Project Proposal:

SwiftZip
6 months ago