Dysphagia Cup
An improved drinking cup for people with dysphagia that prevents leaks, is easy to clean, and is customizable.
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing foods or liquids. This cup allows patients slowly meter thickened liquid simply by drinking as normal.
Usage and Aesthetic Issues
Current cups designed to help people with dysphagia have a myriad of issues, from not metering the correct amount of liquid, leaking, and standing out as a disability cup.
The new dysphagia cup meters the correct amount of liquid in one motion, is leakproof, easier to clean, and aesthetically discrete, allowing users to drink correctly and comfortably.
Easy Cleaning
Separable compartment allows for easy cleaning of metering mechanism.
Leakproof
O-rings create a water tight seal to prevent leaks, even when completely inverted or dropped.
Automatic Fluid Metering
Simply by tilting the cup to drink, a small amount of fluid enters the chamber and is dispensed.
THE MAKING OF
Testing Metering Mechanisms
Quick prototypes and 3D prints were created to test a mechanism that allows a set amount of liquid to be metered into the patients mouth.
Searching for Optimal Grip Shape
Many people with dysphagia also suffer from other muscle issues, including difficulty gripping. Various handle shapes were tested with two patients at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago to determine the best ergonomic fit.
Sealing and Lid Shape Tests
Various O-ring sizes and corresponding inner component pieces were tested to prevent leaks, and different lip shapes for the outer component were tested and evaluated on ease of drinking, comfort, and aesthetic.
Testable Prototypes
Final prototypes were tested by patients at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (SRAL), where users found the aesthetic and functionality to be superior to other cups on the market.
"This is much better than that old sippy cup they were having me drink out of!"
-Walter P., Patient at SRAL
“It’s just like drinking normal tea.”
-Lacey R., Patient at SRAL
“Cleaning these things has always been a huge hassle, so being able to take out the inner piece is really nice.”
-Rachel M., Caretaker
“The idea that 3D printing could custom tailor a cup like this to individual patients needs is revolutionary.”
-Sarah H., MD