Self-Feeding Arm With Timed User Prompt for Low-Dexterity Eating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-feeding devices are limited in accommodating a wide range of user capabilities, require high dexterity, constrain food selection, are bulky, non-portable, and do not facilitate concurrent use by multiple users or drinking during meals.
Innovation Solution
A portable self-feeding device with a feed arm assembly, timing circuit, and user input device that allows users to cycle the device independently, accommodating various food types and enabling remote control for concurrent use, with features like a combined spoon and straw for eating and drinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing self-feeding devices are used, then feeding function is provided, but they require high degree of user dexterity and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users with limited dexterity to feed themselves independently through automated feed arm movement and food transfer mechanisms, eliminating the need for high manual dexterity while maintaining user autonomy and control over their feeding process
2Ease of operation
If existing self-feeding devices are used, then feeding is enabled, but user control over meal selection and order is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple food compartments that can accommodate various food types and textures, allowing users to select and control their own meal composition and eating order, thereby providing both ease of operation and food selection flexibility simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If existing self-feeding devices are used, then feeding function is provided, but they are bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including removable food compartments and a compact feed arm assembly, reducing overall device volume and enabling portability while maintaining the complete feeding functionality when assembled
4Productivity
If existing self-feeding devices are used, then feeding is enabled, but concurrent use by multiple users is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates remote control capabilities that create a duplicate control interface, allowing multiple users to operate the same feeding device concurrently through separate control units, thereby increasing concurrent user capacity without proportionally increasing physical device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding device including a feed arm assembly operative to transfer food from a food compartment to a feed position located adjacent an individual. The feeding device including a timer that times the period the feed arm assembly remains stationary. An indicator connected to the timing circuit becomes active when a predetermined time period is exceeded reminding or prompting a user or other third party to use or cycle the feeding device.