Assistive Nose-Wiping Device for Hiking
This three-person design project developed two wearable prototypes for hands-free nose wiping while hiking, addressing limited arm mobility and grip strength. The team compared upper-arm and forearm mounting approaches against comfort, weight, cost, security, hygiene and ease of use.
The upper-arm design uses a rounded 3D-printed surface secured with a Velcro strap. A handkerchief slides around it to expose a fresh section for the next wipe. The alternative extends a wiping surface from a forearm sleeve toward the face; the supporting photograph shows a student evaluation, not the intended user.
We selected the upper-arm prototype, which weighed 0.5 lb and cost approximately $15. The forearm version remained functional but weighed approximately 1.5 lb and did not achieve its planned folding form. I contributed to ideation, option evaluation, feasibility decisions, prototype testing and documentation. Fusion 360 modeling and assembly were shared across the team.
Comfort and usability findings come from the documented student assessment. No intended-client trail test or quantified hygiene improvement was established; washability and a lighter folding forearm design remain future work.
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