The Phase I SBIR objective is to design, develop \& demonstrate feasibility of Access-H2OTM, a sensor driven smart faucet to enable and empower independent drinking and grooming for individuals impacted by spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI severely impacts functional independence \& ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Greater function is typically lost with higher, more complete injuries. More specifically, those impacted above C5-C7 have impaired upper extremities, which limits the use of arms and hands for activities such as eating, drinking, and grooming. Functional access to water for these individuals becomes a key to increased independence and successful completion of ADLs. Therefore, commercialization of smart fountain faucets, which can automatically deliver water in target temperature, force, \& nozzle setting for a specific ADL, has the potential to empower individuals with SCI for greater independence \& and improved quality of life. Subjects with SCI and controls were recruited to test the functionality of the faucet which includes eye gaze, voice, and motion sensors to control the water stream for drinking, rinsing, and grooming.
Nearly 300,000 individuals are living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and over 12,000 new SCI occur annually in the United States. Most SCIs involve the cervical (neck) region of the spine and cause partial or complete loss of movement of both arms, both legs, and the torso (quadriplegia). Individuals with a higher-level and more complete SCI typically have greater loss of functional movement and sensation below the level of the injury. They require greater levels of assistance for self-care and mobility. Currently, there are limited options for quadriplegics to access water to perform basic activities of daily living such as drinking. Additionally, hydration packs and straws create unsanitary conditions and can be difficult to use. The aim of the project is to develop an innovative fountain faucet to enable individuals living with SCI to access water more independently for basic activities of daily living. The faucet incorporates electromechanical controls and software programs that adjust spray outlets, spray angles, and water temperatures. A proximity sensor and voice recognition function allow users to control the faucet through a smart speaker. These features enable precise dispensing of water at the desired temperature and volume, while a camera and other sensors enable hands-free operation. Subjects, including individuals living with SCI and controls, were recruited from an outpatient rehabilitation clinic to test the functionality of the faucet including eye gaze, voice, and motion sensors to control the water stream for drinking, rinsing, and grooming. The examiner screened the subjects to determine their levels of functional independence (independent, modified independent, assistance required, and dependent). The participants were also interviewed regarding their current methods of drinking, rinsing, and grooming. The percentage and standard deviation of individuals in each level of independence for each function were calculated. A t-test was conducted to determine any significant differences in the dependence levels between the tested subjects and the control group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
DEVICE_FEASIBILITY
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
The assigned invention was developed to test the feasibility of the prototype of the Access-H2O faucet by assessing whether subjects can activate the faucet to control water outputs via the motion sensor, eye gaze, and a speech speaker. To activate the faucet via the motion sensor, each subject was asked to place his or her hand near the motion sensor. To activate the faucet via the eye gaze, each subject was asked to look directly at the eye gaze sensor. To activate the faucet via the speech speaker, each subject was asked to speak to the speaker. Each subject performed the same function three times. The water from the faucet was used for drinking, rinsing, and grooming.
ODU Monarch Physical Therapy Clinic
Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Water Access for Activities of Daily Living
Each subject could complete the tasks: 1) Can the test participants get the water from the fountain faucet to their mouth to hydrate? 2) Can the test participants use the fountain feature to rinse their mouths? and 3) Can the test participants use the fountain spray to rinse a quarter-size area of soap partially or fully from their left and/or right cheeks? Coding 1 was labeled as "successful," coding 2 as "partially successful," and coding 3 as "not completed." A System Usability Scale was determined.
Time frame: The duration of time of assessment of the participant lasted for 2 to 3 hours.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.