Question

Industrial Design
Mr. Chatterjee a right-handed person, recently met with an accident and had to get his right hand amputated. He lives alone and therefore finds it difficult to perform everyday activities. Every morning a standard 500 ml milk pouch is delivered to his residence. One of the challenges he faces is to cut open the pouch and pour the milk into a utensil to heat the milk. Design a product that can aid him to perform the following operations with ease: Lifting and supporting the pouch, Cutting the pouch, Pouring the milk without spilling, Discarding the empty pouch.

Hint:

When designing for accessibility, focus on consolidating steps, ensuring stability, and using intuitive, low-force mechanisms. Think about the entire user journey, from setup to cleanup, and aim to minimize the physical and cognitive load at each stage.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept and User Needs: 
The primary user is a person with a single hand (his non-dominant left hand), which presents challenges in tasks requiring stabilization and manipulation simultaneously. The design must be user-centric, focusing on stability, one-handed operation, safety, and hygiene. The product should integrate multiple functions (holding, cutting, pouring, discarding) into a seamless workflow.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach - Integrated Functional Design: 
The proposed solution is a single, stable countertop device named the "Pour-Easy Caddy." It will feature a weighted base, a secure pouch-holding mechanism, an integrated safety cutter, and a controlled pouring system, all operable with one hand.
A. Theoretical Description of Freehand Sketches: 
The sketches would show a device with a wide, non-slip rubber base for stability. Rising from the base is a vertical C-shaped clamp. The milk pouch can be slid into this clamp from the side, which holds it upright and firm. A corner of the pouch is guided into a V-shaped slot at the top of the clamp. Integrated into this slot is a small, shielded blade. A large, ergonomic lever is positioned on the side of the device.
B. Theoretical Description of Usage Scenario Sketches: 
1. Placement: Mr. Chatterjee places the Pour-Easy Caddy on the counter next to his cooking utensil.
2. Loading: He picks up the milk pouch with his left hand and slides it into the C-clamp. The clamp is designed to be slightly flexible to grip the pouch securely.
3. Cutting: He pushes the top corner of the pouch into the V-slot until it clicks. This action pierces the pouch with the internal blade. The blade is shielded to prevent accidental cuts.
4. Pouring: He pushes down on the large side lever. This action causes the entire C-clamp assembly to pivot forward on a hinge at its base, tilting the pouch at a controlled angle and pouring the milk smoothly into the utensil below.
5. Discarding: After pouring, he releases the lever, and the clamp returns to its upright position. He then easily slides the empty pouch out of the clamp and discards it.
C. Indicators of Materials and Processes: 
- Main Body/Clamp: Injection-molded ABS or Polypropylene plastic. This is durable, lightweight, easy to clean (food-safe), and cost-effective for complex shapes.
- Base: The plastic base would have a steel weight co-molded inside for a low center of gravity and stability. The bottom surface would be overmolded with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) for a non-slip grip.
- Blade: Stainless steel, for sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance.
- Hinge/Pivot Mechanism: Stainless steel pin for strength and smooth operation.
D. Brief Note on Design Decisions (98 words): 
The design prioritizes one-handed operation and safety for Mr. Chatterjee. A weighted, non-slip base provides stability, eliminating the need to hold the device. The integrated clamp and cutter combine two actions, reducing complexity. The cutting blade is shielded to prevent injury. The key feature is the large lever-operated pivot mechanism, which transforms the difficult action of tilting a flexible pouch into a simple, controlled downward press. This ensures a spill-free pour. Materials were chosen for food safety, durability, ease of cleaning, and manufacturability, making the product both effective and practical for daily use.