Abstract
Gyralign
Keeping a cup from spilling seems easy, but people take it for granted. A spilled cup may be a minor inconvenience, but it is an obstacle for those who have disabilities. People with Parkinson’s Disease have tremors in their limbs, especially their hands. They would have trouble keeping their hands still enough from shaking or dropping objects they are holding. Keeping a cup from spilling is not only a problem for disabled people, but it is also a problem for many people around the world. Drivers on rough roads, bike riders, and elderlies with walkers do not have the spare hand to keep their coffees, sodas, and drinks from tipping over. That is why I have developed a cup holder that can balance itself and with easily attachable adjustments that can make it fit for many occasions. By using the technology of gyroscopes, the cup would be able to stabilize itself from any tilt. Each attachable part would have a neodymium disc magnet inserted into an opening, which allows for easy assembling. With parts such as a handle and tube clips, a person can utilize this cup holder in many ways.
Problem 1
Every year, approximately 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It is defined as a disorder in the central nervous system and affects one's movement, balance, and coordination. Victims often suffer from tremors in the hands and have difficulty in performing basic tasks with them.
Problem 2
When driving on the road or riding in one, it is expected to encounter some turbulence. There might be a bump or a pothole in the ground, but when the tires drive over a hole, that drink would likely spill. Nowadays, cars have cupholders that attempt to grab tightly around a drink, but they do not effectively prevent the liquids inside from getting out of the cup.
Problem 3
There are many occasions when a person does not have access to either of their hands. A bike rider not only suffers from having no hands to hold their drink but can also face the same turbulences as cars do. Elderlies who use walkers also cannot hold their drinks as they walk. According to disabled-world.com, approximately 6.1 million people use mobility devices such as canes, walkers, and crutches. Without full access to their hands, these people would have a difficult time preventing their drinks from being spilled.
