Problem

People who only have one hand face difficulties in performing everyday tasks such as cutting food. Traditional cutting boards and knives are designed for people with two hands, making it challenging for individuals with one hand to use them effectively. This leads to frustration and a loss of independence for those individuals.

To address this problem, our team was tasked with developing a cutting device that would allow people with one hand to cut food easily and independently.

Link to video demonstration of the cutting device

Solution

We began by researching existing solutions for cutting devices for people with one hand. We found several techniques, including using a rocker knife or a clamp-on vise, but each had its own limitations.

Our team decided to combine the best features of each technique into one design. We created a cutting board that incorporated a rocker knife and clamp-on vise into one device. The user could secure the food item in place using the vise and then use the rocker knife to cut through it easily.

The final design included screw-in applications that could be removed, making it easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Our team also ensured that the device was lightweight and portable so that users could take it with them wherever they go.

Impact

Increased independence for people with one hand when performing everyday tasks
X% increase in satisfaction reported by users compared to traditional cutting boards and knives
Improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities

"This cutting device has been life-changing for me. I can now cut my own food without having to rely on someone else. Thank you to the team who developed this amazing product!"

Team

Team Member #1 - Mechanical Engineer
- Oversaw the design and development of the cutting board and vise components
- Conducted user testing and made necessary adjustments based on feedback
Team Member #2 - Industrial Designer
- Created the final design of the cutting board incorporating both the rocker knife and clamp-on vise features
- Incorporated screw-in applications into the design for easy cleaning and dishwasher safe use

One-Handed Cutting Device Boosts Independence