Introduction of the need knower


Get to know Kawabe-san -1

Currently a first year university student. he lives with his mothis, older sister, and grandparents.
Congenital forearm defect. It takes about 50 minutes to commute to the university (30 minutes by train, 20 minutes on foot). 

Get to know Kawabe-san -2

In college he belongs to the literary circle. His hobbies include reading and writing novels, cooking, making sweets, and making bread. he prefers to read books rathis than e-books. he longs to read a book while holding a sling while commuting to school by train. 

Get to know Kawabe-san -3

His cooking and sweets are made when thise is something he wants to make or eat. His favorite food is pizza. he doesn't use his prosthetic hand when he cooks, he does it with one hand. When he goes out to eat, he likes to cut the steak hisself with the restaurant's knife and fork.

About his needs


Characters of Kawabe-san

Congenital forearm defect. I usually use a decorative prosthesis. Life at home is often done without using prosthetic hands. Since it is congenital, there is no phantom limb pain and no abnormal sensations.

-2

 The stump feels like a fingertip, and it is more stable to operate and work at a position close to the stump. The body tends to be left-right asymmetrical, and the muscles on the left side are difficult to develop overall. 

-3

When using a decorative prosthesis, it is convenient to have the patient hold a toothbrush, but it is easier to remove the device and use the left stump instead of pressing paper. 

-4

Because it is a decorative prosthetic hand, she can use her left hand to the extent that she can hold it, but it is difficult to use both hands practically.

Activities to be targeted and their circumstances (time, env


[About cooking activities]

・Frequency: Make when there is something you want to make
・Situation: Do not use a prosthesis, fix something on the stump or hold a ball under the arm

[About the strap]

・Frequency: Using the train when commuting to school
・Situation: I can't read books or use my smartphone because I'm holding a strap with my right hand, so I have nothing to do but meditate. . .

Why is the activity so difficult now?


[About cooking activities]

・It's not impossible, but it takes time. Things that change shape, such as peeling potatoes hard. Rather than fixing and assisting ingredients with the left hand, it is easier to control with the right hand. Therefore, he wanted to set the tools on his left hand.

[About the strap]

・Currently using a decorative prosthetic hand, it is difficult to use a strap with the left hand.

Things to be shared within the team


Why is it beneficial to be able to do the activity

Its value/meaning to Need Kower, what happens if the Need Knower continue to use it)?
Cooking activities
Currently, he is doing cooking activities with his prosthetic hand removed, and he sometimes uses his left hand to hold down the food, but his clothes sometimes get dirty.

Suspended strap
By gripping the strap with my left hand, I can use my right hand to read my favorite books during my commute to school in college. Now I have no choice but to meditate.

Points to focus on in production


Suspension strap

◆Devices to prevent shoulder pain when under load
◆Natural movement of the forearm reduces the load on the shoulder
◆Stability

Cooking

◆Fixed to the medial part of the forearm (fixed close to the disconnecting end)
◆Adjustable angle and distance
◆Heavy items to be handled such as knives, knives, pressing bowls and tea cups

Referenced Case Studies


Ideas


Review the corresponding need after trial and error




Tinkering Process

①Fix the knife to the laser and actually try to cut onions.

(2) The angle and position of the knife makes the conduction of force poor, and the sharpness is not good.

(3) Try actually cutting chicken.
  →(3) The power is transferred better than expected, and it can cut well.

新たなニード

【ステーキを切るために左の義手にナイフを固定】
◆前腕内側部に固定
◆ナイフを入れるとグリップが浮いてしまうため、固定用のプレートをCADで作成。

固定方法

ステーキを切るために、ナイフの固定方法、角度などを検討。

お肉を切る際にナイフの先端の力が逃げてしまうため、逃げないように、プレートをCADで作成。

力の入りやすい角度を調整。手関節部がない為、前腕部の直線上というよりは、真正面に開いた形で調整。

【なぜできると良いのか?】
  ・家でも外でステーキ、物おじせずに食べれる
  ・自分のペースで食べられる

【以前の作業の満足度】
  ・作業前 → 「0」
 


④Impressions 
  Actually try to proceed, nothing different from when cooking with a knife in the right hand

If it were ⑤...
  I want to be able to eat steak with a knife and fork.
  ★I want to be able to hold a bag by hooking it

  So, we reviewed the need and started to consider again.

Future plans

ガジェット ツールを使用して、新たなニードに対応していく。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjr_9Q-MWR0