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Toothpaste Squeezer

Designing an Accessible Tube Squeezer

Process Overview:

  • Research / Discover
  • Synthesis / Define
  • Ideation / Develop
  • Test / Implementation / Deliver
  • Reflection
  • Appendix

    • Research / Discover

    While researching skincare techniques, I noticed that individuals afflicted with skin conditions and who buy a lot of ointments have tocome up with creative ways to get every last drop out of ointment out of the tube.
    During my research, I identified that the products on the market are not inclusive and are geared towards helping able-bodied people squeeze tubes

    Synthesis / Define

    Inspired by the niche problem, the Stephen Giff lecture, and the Universal Design Principle Guidelines (UDP) I begin identifying the constraints and underlying issues.

    From the context gleaned from my research, I identified that the prioritized function of this device should focus on UDP#6 “Low physical effort” such that a person could use this device one-handed with ease. The second important UDP priority was #2 “Flexibility in Use.”

    Inspiration: The UX presenter Stephen Giff who talked about the Universal Design Principle guidelines, Inspired me to research, design, and prototype a Human Centered Tube Squeezer using digital fabrication methods.


    Universal Design Principles:
  • Criteria #1: Equitable use
  • Criteria #2: Flexibility in use.
  • Criteria #3: Simple and intuitive.
  • Criteria #4: Perceptible information.
  • Criteria #5: Tolerance for error.
  • Criteria #6: Low physical effort
  • Criteria #7: Size and space for approach and use.

    • Ideation / Develop

    Sketches exploring the Product concept with Universal Design Principle Guidelines and 3D printed best practices in mind. Sketches exploring the Product form and functions, such as a slider, a funnel, bottle attachment etc… While ideating through sketching I explored product possibilities, weighed the pro’s and con’s of form, function, user experience, and fabrication constraints while considering my market research, human-centered design principles and the prioritized UDP guidelines. UDP #2: Flexibility in Use UDP#6: Low physical effort
     
     

    Prototype 1.0

  • Create a Laser Cut Press fit box (designed to hold a Vitamin D light) in mind using files for the laser cutter from Makercase
  • Use Fusion 360 to 3D Print the Moveable Iris model parts sourced from Thingiverse
  • Attach the 3D printed piece to the Laser Cut Box with stock parts like a screw

    • Prototype 2.0

  • Create my own Moveable Iris models using Fusion 360
  • Cut and raster an abstract geometric pattern with the laser cutter to match form with function
  • Explore materials types for the laser cut box

    • Design Process

    In order to develop the Computer-aided design (CAD) model, I taught myself how to use the software “Fusion 360” in order to print the 3D model. This part of the process required precision when designing the components parts such as the clearance and tolerance.
    <ul> Technique #1: Moveable Parts </ul>
    <ul> Technique #2: Onshape/Fusion 360 </ul>
    <ul> Technique #3: 3D Printed </ul>

    The Instructions below describe how to convert a Thingiverse file into a useable model in Fusion 360.

    Problems

    In order to Digitally Fabricate this model, I printed with a Flashforge Creator Pros. This print took about 3 tries to successfully work since the supports systems did not print successfully.

    Considering how many things could have gone wrong, a lot was avoided. Two attempts failed to print the support beams aka Bridges. To 3D print successfully, the print used bridges and a raft support structures.

    Outcome

    The outcome of this product design was to create a more accessible tube squeezer which would help people, such as the elderly, effectively squeeze all of the ointment or lotion out of the compact tube easily. Future prototypes would ideally be able to be used with one hand to be even more inclusive.

    Reflection


    Undesired Outcomes From a risk and liabilities perspective, a product design would be at risk of harming the end user if the plastic from the 3D print is absorbed into the transferred paste such that when a person uses the device they are essentially spreading possible irritants or contaminants throughout their body thus causing health issues. To mitigate and control for this specific unknown risk, I would adjust each components clearance and tolerance accordingly. Additionally, I would perform further research investigating how PLA plastic interacts with pastes, lotions ointments etc... when they come in contact. Please note this prototype model does not account for scenarios involving bad actors; such as an older sibling using this tool to torment their younger sibling with parts and pieces from the print. To account for oddball scenarios like that would require further research and brainstorming.

    Next Steps and Future Iterations

    Create indentations for finger holds and a “Base” that holds the pole firmly. Audit product design with more of the Universal Design principles in mind. Speak with a prospective user about form and functionality

    3D Printer Settings
    Nozzle Temp: 235 Degrees
    Platform Temp: 60 Degrees