Universal Kitchen Assistant
Presenter
Logan Daubel; Emily A. Patenaude
Document Type
Prototype
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
For many people with full or partial limb loss, loss of sensation, tremors, and many other conditions, it can be a dangerous task to move hot cookware around the kitchen, especially around the stove. As of 2024, it is estimated that ~2.4 million Americans live with limb loss. It has been projected that this number will increase by 145% due to the increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. The objective of the Universal Kitchen Assistant is to assist in the movement of heavy pots and pans to and from the stovetop to the oven. The device would eliminate as much of the lifting as possible and can be operated completely with one hand. To solve this problem, a prototype was constructed using a tray of heat-resistant rollers and bumpers, allowing pans to easily be pushed without falling over the edge of the platform. This platform can then be raised and lowered to any height, from stove top to various racks within the oven. This works with a spring-loaded hinge that allows for single-handed operation and a smooth, controlled motion of the platform. Should this solution be found to be successful, it could be installed in individual kitchens to allow people maximum independence in the kitchen, or it could be installed in occupational therapy simulation kitchens to help patients recovering from a variety of conditions and injuries.
Faculty Mentor
Nicole Urban, Ph.D.
Academic Discipline
College of Engineering & Design; College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Daubel, Logan; Peet, Andrew; Murphy, Alyssa R.; and Patenaude, Emily A., "Universal Kitchen Assistant" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 250.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/250
