For wheelchair users facing new mobility challenges, the Carabiner Reacher restores their independence as a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use assistive tool for picking up small-to-mid-sized objects in the kitchen, bedroom etc.
Designed and developed a functional, lightweight and durable pick-up tool for wheelchair users through 4+ iterations and user testing, with an ergonomic grip for 80% of adult hand sizes and a 300 g lifting capacity
Limited mobility can prevent wheelchair users from reaching everyday objects independently, increasing reliance on others and reducing autonomy in daily life, while adding strain for carers.
Being seated prevents easy reach to objects far away from the user, and at heights
Many wheelchair users feel frustrated due to feeling reliant on others and lack of independence
Portability is an essential consideration for convenient, autonomous use
Concept 1 Test Result - lacked control and practicality needed to securely carry everyday objects, carabiner handle created multiple pinch points
Concept 2 Test Result - too wide for small to medium objects
Concept 3 Test Result - pincer required a curved shape to improve grip of objects, while the handle needed more internal space to accommodate the mechanism
The final design grips small to medium household objects such as cups and plates, has silicone pads for added traction, and has a pinch-free handle which supports neutral wrist position, using a pin-and-slot mechanism to lift up to 300g.
A portable pick-up tool designed to restore independence for wheelchair users, featuring a wheelchair-attachable handle, ergonomic grip for 80% of adult hand sizes, slim pincers for reaching between dishes, and a durable spring-loaded handle mechanism.
