Project Title: Design for Disability – An Assistive Device for the Kitchen Environment
Product Name: One Wash
Topic/Problem:
How would you wash your hands if you could only use one of them? This is a question many would never consider, but for those who have upper body amputations or injuries it is a question that does not have a singular clear answer. There are 3 million people worldwide with upper body amputations and over half a million in the US alone that might have to ask themselves this question, along with the 6 million people each year that break bones and require cast or slings. People with arm and hand amputations, along with those with injuries, navigate this by employing many different techniques to wash their hands. These range from rubbing their hand against a soapy sponge or washcloth resting on the bottom of the sink, to using the side of the sink or a washcloth clipped on a clipboard to spread soap over the back of their hand. While this may work to a certain extent, there are issues that arise. These techniques can be uncomfortable to use and ineffective at evenly spreading soap over the entirety of the hand. Additionally, sponges, washcloths, and the sink basin are not always the cleanest surfaces to use when washing your hand. In fact, sponges and washcloths are breeding grounds for bacteria due to them being porous and wet most of the time.
Solution:
The One Wash is a kitchen sink-mounted assistive device that washes the user’s hand without the aid of the other hand. This is possible by having two silicone soap application pads that conform to the shape of both sides of your hand, and in turn spread soap evenly over the entirety of the hand. The One Wash works by simply pressing the button on the side of the unit which pumps soap to the silicone applications pads. You then wet your hand before running it back and forth between the application pads.
The unit can be filled with the soap of choice by opening the silicone cap on the side of the product and pouring it in until full. Because the application pads are made from silicone, they do not retain water, making them easy to wash and free from bacteria.
This product is compatible with most kitchen sink types, and works with a vast range of hand sizes. Most importantly, only one hand is required for both installation and use
