Utility knife
Challenge
People with tetraplegia or other forms of limited arm mobility cannot use conventional utility knives to open packages or cut materials, as these require too much strength and fine motor control.
Solution
The developed assistive solution is an innovative thimble with an integrated utility knife, produced using 3D printing.
The thimble is slipped onto the finger, with the integrated utility knife fixed at the tip. The knife is positioned so that it can be used safely and in a controlled manner. Users do not need fine motor skills to operate the adapted utility knife, as the blade is activated through minimal finger movements.
There is also an integrated retraction mechanism to prevent injuries when the thimble is not in use.