Squeeze (2022)
Dental kit for people with Limb Impairments.
Background
Adults with disabilities experience more mental distress than those without disabilities. In 2018, an estimated 17.4 million (32.9%) adults with disabilities experienced frequent mental distress. Frequent mental distress is associated with poor health behaviors, increased use of health services, mental disorders, chronic disease, and limitations in daily life.
The best way to improve the mental state of a partially-abled person is to instill confidence and self sufficiency. Suryansh Gautam designed a dental kit that helps the adult to remain self reliant, therefore, boosting confidence.
Design Concept
'Squeeze' is a toothbrush with detachable toothpaste tube. When the tube is squeezed, the toothpaste oozes out on the bristles. This is possible as the tube is covered with Silicon Dioxide (hydrophobic material).
The daily act of brushing teeth without any special equipment instills confidence in partially-abled people. Confidence is an especially important tool for those with disabilities, because it bolsters resilience. Disability, whether temporary or chronic, can zap the sense of agency necessary for confidence and resilience. This can lead to heightened perceptions of one’s own limitations, and a downward self-esteem spiral.
A conventional superhydrophobic surface is a highly textured surface that creates a cushion of air for the product to sit on, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the "lotus leaf effect".
Toothpaste tube is dip coated with Silicon Dioxide, which is a hydrophobic chemical. It allows the toothpaste to be extracted easily and is healthy for the environment as there is no wastage of the toothpaste.
The tube is swapped every month while the body remains. The material of the brush follows the sustainable design ideology and is made using bamboo, recycled plastic or stainless steel.
The toothpaste tube attaches to the main body by just pushing the tube in and waiting for the click. The brush has a flat angled surface which allows the tube to be pushed in with ease.
The cover of the brush protects the bristles from the germs. It holds the brush upright to make it easily accessible. It also holds the kit down when the user wants to remove the tube after it is empty.
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