Like sighted people, a blind person
also goes to the kitchen and uses the LPG stove for
preparing the family food. The existing design is lacking
from ergonomics ad user safety aspect. Blind persons
being visually handicapped makes the problem become
further compounded.
Work at IIT Bombay
This problem was addressed through
a project taken up by Prof. G.G. Ray and Mr. M.S.G.
Rajan of the Industrial Design Centre, at IIT Bombay.
Based on a wide survey, in-depth work-content analysis,
and observing blind people in the training and rehabilitation
centers, several conceptual designs for LPG stoves were
developed. Out of these, six design concepts have been
registered and one of the concepts was developed further
for prototyping.
Details of the Technology Developed
Design has been made conducive
for the blind by using the principle of kinesthetic
and facile sensation.
Low cost mechanisms were developed
for auto ignition and flame failure detection.
Salient features of product are:
Two-burner gas stove.
Separate auto igniters for each
stove.
Auto flame failure detectors for
each burner with different tone.
Flame guard ring for each burner.
Five-prong pan support.
Drip disc around each burner.
Drip tray underneath the stove.
Easily operational burner control
knob with three control positions.
Two step body for easy location
of burner and control area.
Reference ridge on the body for
easy location of burners and easy repositioning of
pan support and flame guard by the blinds after cleaning.
Stainless steel body.
Central groove on the front surface
for keeping vessels etc.
User can replace the battery
Aesthetically pleasing and safe
product form.
Can be efficiently used both by
the visually handicapped and sighted persons.
Low cost.
Easily serviceable.
The project was sponsored by the Department
of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.
Product Costs:
Approximately Rs 3,500/- to 4,000/-
per stove.
Status:
30 Stove units have been developed
in association with M/s. PK Limited, Hyderabad, of which
five were handed over to the National Association of
Blinds for trial. Based on feedback received, some design
improvements were carried out, and efforts towards commercialization
is planned.
Source:
Industrial Design Centre
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai Mumbai 400 076
