Fridge Opener

Student group project, 2016

One of my student projects was centered around designing a product to assist people with low hand strength and dexterity.

Due to its openess, ideas were generated via empathy tools: for example, thick gloves were used to limit hand dexterity while completing household tasks - to find areas of difficulty. We noticed that fridge opening required an dispensable gripping action. Our initial design forced the door open via a wedge, which could be operated by a simple push.

I explored the concept further in my own time via CAD modelling. The updated design consists of two 3D printed components, forming a spring-loaded mechanism engaged by closing the door.  The user can simply push the lever to release it and open the fridge.