Updates

On this page

1. Update 1
2. Update 2
3. Update 3
4. Update 4
5. Update 5
6. Update 6
7. Update 7
8. Update 8
9. Update 9

Weekly Update 9: 12/12/23

Class Presentation and show our prototype to Luv Michael.

Here is our presentation slide and video.

Weekly Update 8: 12/5/23

Based on the low-fidelity prototype, we made a high-fidelity prototype. We used laser-cut wood as the base and handle, and removed the two clips of the Bag Holder bought from Amazon as the clips to holding bag.

Here is the link for our high – fidelity prototype.

Weekly Update 7: 11/28/23

We made a low-fidelity prototype using cardboard based on the content of option1.

Here is the link to show how the prototype work.

Weekly Update 6: 11/21/23

We sorted out our ideas for prototypes and sent them to Diane, the person in charge of Luv Michael, to see which one should be work further.

Option 1: A U-shaped structure with a sticky non-residual surface on one side (to hold the bag in place) and a sliding funnel on the other. You can place the bag against the sticky surface, move the funnel, slide it in, and then pull it away from the bag to hold the bag open.

Weekly Update 5: 11/14/23

We tried some materials：

1. Different kinds of clips – Testing which clip requires less hand strength, is easy to use, and does not penetrate deep into the bag for food safety reasons.
2. stickers that sticky but will not damage the bag – Test whether the sticky paper can hold the bag and let it stand upright.

Weekly Update 4: 11/7/23

We held zoom meetings with the VIP undergraduates who were willing to help and learned about their interests and ideas on the remaining issues.

Feedbacks from the meeting with undergrads:

• They were going to ask Amy if they can help with our projects or do the leftover projects.
• They were going to try and pick up the bags from Anvay.
• They want join the weekly Monday meetings.
• They want to go to the kitchen (Need to discuss with Amy and Diane first).

Weekly Update 3: 10/31/23 

We summarize the feedbacks from previous midterm presentations and see if we can come up with new ideas.

We did some research on this website (A TO Z OF DISABILITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS) provided by Amy and found some products that are related and may be helpful: Zipper Bag Sealer and Cello Bag Sealer.

We have also scheduled a time with Undergrads that suits everyone and will conduct the first meeting.

Weekly Update 2: 10/24/23 

Competitive Analysis: Mailer Sealers

Heat/Vacuum Sealers:

Pros: 

• Easy-to-use
• Less pressure to activate

Cons: 

• Required use of both hands
• No stand to hold the mailer in place
• Use heat (which is not required)

Foot Operated Automatic Bag Sealers:

Pros: 

• Can be used hands-free (for sealing)

Cons: 

• No stand to make sure the bag is in the exact place every time
• Might require high pressure
• Expensive

Competitive Analysis: Sealing Granola Bags

Pros: 

• Directly expand the bag into a fixed shape.

Con:

• Hard to put the bag on.
• If the bag is soft, it will return to its original shape/closed easily.

                

Pros: 

• Use the clips on both sides to clamp the bag so that it can stand easily.

Con:

• The clips may not be strong enough to open hard sealing bags.
• Requires detailed hand control.

Weekly Update 1: 10/17/23 

Team Name:

Team Kitchen Tools

Team Member:

Ziyi Chen, M.S. Integrated Design and Media, NYU Tandon.

Anvay Kantak, M.P.S Interactive Telecommunications, NYU TISCH.

Anvay will be the main contact person to Diane. Ziyi and Anvay hold zoom meetings every Monday night to share progress with each other.

Luv Michael is a non profit organization that provides training, education, and employment opportunities to autistic adults, focusing on the production of granola. Diane, who oversees the operations, primarily talked about the following five projects/tools/gadgets that we might be able to help with:

1. Sealing mailers (Top Priority)

   Challenges:

• Need to use both hands
• Difficult to press/apply uniform pressure to seal the entire length of the envelope
• Sealing is inconsistent

   Requirements:

• A sealer that can hold the bag in place while being sealed and apply uniform pressure over the tape area to seal the envelope completely and firmly.
• Can be operated using only one hand.

2. Opening and sealing granola bags (Top Priority)

   Challenges:

• Hard to open
• Hard  to make the bag stand upright with only one person.

   Requirements:

• Need to prevent the bag from automatically closing after opening.
• The bag should stand upright on its own when opened, allowing employees to pour granola without assistance.

3. Tying a knot for the gift packages

4. Stamp which applies uniformly with little pressure

5. Two people needed to sweep and push dust into dust pan – possible to make it a one person job?