Filament type: PETG

Layer height: 0.20mm

Infill: 15-20%

Supports: None

Wall count: 4

Estimated filament used: 23 Grams

Print difficulty: Easy

Print time: About 2 Hours

Note: For this device, I used more walls with lower infill rather than higher infill. Since the part is relatively small, the added wall count helps support the outer structure while keeping print time and material use lower. Users may choose to increase infill if the part feels weak, flexes during use, or will be used with heavier utensils.

Added materials: 17-inch EVA Foam Twist Tie

Tools needed: Adhesive

Post processing: None

Time to assemble: 5 Minutes

Assembly Process: Full assembly instructions are available on the original creator's page linked throughout this page. For the version shown on this site, the EVA foam twist tie was inserted into the printed holder and secured with adhesive as needed. Fit may vary depending on printer tolerances, so check that the twist tie is secure before use.

Functional Use: This device is a printed holder that straps a fork or spoon to the hand or forearm with a bendable foam twist tie. It holds the utensil in place so a person can eat without fully gripping the utensil, and the twist tie can be shaped to fit different hand and arm sizes.

Relevant Occupations: Feeding and Eating

Client Factors: May be relevant when grip strength or finger range of motion is reduced.

Performance Skills: The strap holds the utensil, which lowers the demand on gripping and manipulating it. The client reaches for food and coordinates moving the utensil to the mouth.

Safety Considerations: The foam contacts skin, so it should be wiped down between uses. Check that the utensil stays secure in the holder, since a loose one can slip during a meal.

Limitations: Fit depends on how the foam is wrapped, so it needs to be adjusted for each person and may loosen over time. It holds the utensil but does not add wrist or arm range of motion, so a person still needs enough shoulder and elbow range of motion to reach their mouth. It is not a cleared medical device, so its use must be a clinical decision made by the treating occupational therapist.

Issues: None

Recommendations: Try different wrapping techniques around the arm until you find one that is comfortable and functional for the user.

Ease of use: Easy

Test results or review: New users needed some education on how to use and grasp the device. After some practice with the device, users appreciated its simplicity and ease of use.

Original file link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7030988

Creator credit: Courage Kenny

License: Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike