The Chicken Project

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  The full rendering of the Chicken Project. The key elements it is its tightening claw, compact body, and wireless charging unit

Inspiration

The inspiration for the function of my prototype came from a video I saw of a chicken, which was able to stabilize its head in one place despite how its body was moved around. I then started going through the different examples I've seen this type of functionality incorporated into like camera stabilizers or adaptive utensils and thought that it would be extremely useful for people with debilitating tremors to have one device that lets them stabilize anything!

What it does

The Chicken Project is a handle that has three unique value propositions, meant to enhance the lifestyle of people with physical conditions like Parkinson's disease, versatility, compactness, and efficiency. The detachable claw that can grip any utensil from a spoon to a makeup brush has a tightening function with a button on the side of the handle. This allows the device to be used with almost any kind of handheld tool out there. The detachability allows users to substitute in bigger claws that have greater carrying capacities, with a magnetic base to snap it into place while the tightening function makes it so that regardless of the size of the base, the device will be able to hold the tool and stabilize it with precision. The circuitry that allows for the stabilizing function in the device is protected by a body of plastic that allows users to simply store that one device with them in a purse or even on a keychain and carry it with them everywhere. Finally, there is a wireless charging function at the base of this device due to a rechargeable battery on the inside. The two exterior circular plates are magnetic so that people with tremors can easily snap the corresponding charger onto the device. A charge for a couple hours is intended to last a consumer days of utility.

How I built it

While I am limited to the resources available to me at home, I was able to render this device on a software called Procreate, using its functions to make the different body parts of the device transparent and show the different aspects of this complex but simple to use object. I researched and used the technology used in stabilizing tripods as a reference and realized that such an advanced technology can easily be repurposed and enhanced for a market in dire need of it.

Challenges I ran into

A challenge that I ran into was not being able to use many of the skills that I currently have in my arsenal to make a product that I really believed in. I am a strong believer that apps, while tremendously useful in some situations, are not the only solution that exists for a problem and it is worth exploring other out of the box options as potential ideas rather than writing them off as impossible. Along those lines, while I initially struggled with how I was going to be able to communicate my vision to a panel fo judges, I iterated through a process of virtual prototyping using low-level CAD software before I drew out a more informative blueprint on Procreate.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am really proud of being able to formulate a feasible device that really has the potential to revolutionize the lifestyles of so many people with physical disadvantages. By not staying in the confines of what the market had set for me as a precedent for technological enhancement, I have the ability to provide a foundational tool for so many people throughout their daily lives.

What I learned

As an entrepreneur, I have always been fascinated by the idea of socially responsible innovation. Because I almost often don't have the resources or knowledge to be able to follow through with the ideas that I have, it can be often discouraging to imagine. But this project has given me yet another step in the right direction and has inspired me to continue to dare to think outside the box, knowing with the right investing and support I have the potential to bolster other peoples' potentials as well.

What's next for The Chicken Project

I would be so grateful for investment in this project and with it can definitely visualize a path forward with more extensive customer exploration and R&D before branding the company and creating a whole new lifestyle for people previously confined to the lack of ability in the tools they have right now.

Built With

• procreate