Self Feeder
The self-feeder is an assistive eating device designed for individuals with multiple sclerosis who have limited arm and neck mobility. It features a magnetic spoon with a mouthpiece and food-catcher, a slanted support stand with three resting positions, and a customizable magnetic plaque for personalization. Developed in collaboration with Inglis House, the device promotes independence, accessibility, and dignity during meals.
Tablet Stand
This adaptive tablet stand was designed to support users with limited hand strength or mobility, allowing for hands-free device use at customizable angles. It features an adjustable tilt mechanism, a stable weighted base, and easy-to-use clamps that secure the device in place without requiring fine motor skills. The design prioritizes accessibility, making digital interaction more comfortable and independent for individuals with physical disabilities.
01- Problem
Self Feeder
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We were presented with a client with multiple sclerosis (MS) that had minimal arm and neck mobility. They were using a self feeder during mealtimes, but it required excessive head/neck movement. These issues disrupted mealtimes and their sense of independence. The key problems included physical strain and lack of adjustability.
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Our solution was a 3D printed self feeder that included personalizable aspects to it so that the client could feel more connected and accepting of the assistive technology.
02- Description
Self Feeder
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This feeder is composed of 3 parts: the cup, the spoon, and the stand.
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When in use, the cup is used to hold bite-sized snacks, such as crackers or chips.
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The scooper has a mouth part on the end opposite of the bowl, and a scooper part at the other end, which reaches into the bowl.
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The stand has three slants in which the scooper can be shifted. When not eating, the scooper can be positioned in the middle, as it will be parallel to the table’s surface.
Spoon​
Stand
Bowl
Mouth Piece
1. Client uses mouth to move spoon to food
2. Client uses mouth to move spoon
3. Client uses mouth to move spoon to the level that allows for the food to fall through the spoon.
4. Client can enjoy their food
03- How to use it
Self Feeder
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If the person wants to pick up food, they will tilt the scooper with their mouth to a steeper level that is directed towards the center of the bowl.
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The person can push the scooper into the bowl with their mouth and then pull it back up to the level that faces their body.
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This slant will allow the food to fall through the hollow scooper to a small food-catcher piece (the mouth part) in which the person can eat from.
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Both the scooper and stand have magnetic pieces on them so the scooper can be supported and held in place.
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The process repeats as the person desires to eat more food. There is also grippy material on the bottom of the stand and cup to keep it in place.
04- Personalizable Aspect
Self Feeder
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On the top of the spoon, there is a section where you can insert a plaque-like piece that can be personalized to the client’s liking.
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They can add words, pictures, and symbols to the plaque using 3D printing software, printing it, and then inserting the plaque into its dedicated part of the spoon.
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This piece stays in place through the use of magnetic strips. The use of these plaques not only makes the assistive technology custom for person to person, but having insertable places to add things ensures the entire spoon doesn't have to be reprinted everytime the client wants to personalize it. This saves time, money, and resources, while also fulfilling the clients needs.
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Where the insert is put
Customizable Insert
04- Demo Video
Self Feeder
01- Problem
Tablet Stand
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We were presented with a client with multiple sclerosis (MS) with minimal arm and hand movement. The client was struggling to use her tablet in her wheelchair and on her desk.
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Her current stand is unstable, relying on cardboard and a grip mat for support. Due to limited fine motor skills, she often presses too hard, causing the stand to shift.
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Her current is made out of weak materials such as cardboard, a thin grip mat to prevent the tablet from slipping, and Velcro for angle adjustment. Because of this, her little fine motor skills cause the stand to shift.
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She cannot use a regular tablet case because she is unable to prop the tablet independently.
02- Description
Tablet Stand
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The stand is approximately .88 pounds, 19 inches long and 11 inches wide.
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It is made out of driftwood—with each piece connected by a grip mat. The stand can be easily folded and cleaned, making it portable and convenient.
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The stand consists of 3 pieces of driftwood, and a 3D printed slider to keep it in place with magnetic strips.
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There is also specialized grippy material we created as a combination of magnetic pieces, grippy material sheets, and hot glue.
Driftwood
Slider
Strong Grip Bottom
Folded
03- How to use it
Tablet Stand
Slider/angle easily adjusted
Tablet Angle Adjustment
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To operate the stand, the tablet is inserted into the slider piece.
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This sliding mechanism allows the client to adjust the angle of the tablet without much effort, only requiring a push and pull force.
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To lock the slider in place, a magnetic strip was applied to both the board and the bottom of the slider.
04- Personalizable Aspect
Tablet Stand
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The 3D printed slider can be printed in different colors, can have designs put on it, and can have words printed on it.
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This can help the client feel more connected to their stand.​
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The material used can also be used in a variety of colors, not just tan as shown in the model.
Fabric/material that can be used in different colors
Customizable slider