The Jar Opener
Co-Designer
Co-designer is elderly and has arthritis, needs help opening jars. She would prefer not to have to ask for help.
Co-Designer Needs Statement
- The product should be able to open jars without requiring too much force, the product should not break the jar or move it.
Product Requirements
- Flexible, evenly-spaced teeth
Initial Brainstorming Narrative
Other, similar products had vertical ridges all the way up the height. Teeth seemed like they would apply more force.
Final Prototype
Bill of Materials
- 2x Moldable plastic activated by heat, $17.99 each
- 1x Thicker plastic (link missing), $21.99
Build Instructions
Mold body from plastic, glue on triangles
Final Exams!
Use on different kinds of jars
ResultsLarger model did not require teeth to grip jar, was comfortable, smaller model needs teeth for vacuum-sealed jar
Future Improvements
The plastic could be made more malleable, to allow the user to squeeze the device and adjust the size.
Scalability
Fits most jars available, needs to be a set of 2-3
Design Process Reflection
It would probably been advisable to use the plastic more before the final prototype.