1. Gas Nozzle Device
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Easy Pump
F 12 - 227 - 6
Problem Description
The goal for our final project was to design a
system that enables Sandi Mugford, a patient
diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, to pump gas
without assistance. While adhering to processes
expected by Dr. Fleisig and the teaching staff,
we wanted our design to provide assistance and
minimize pain when Sandi compresses the gas
pump.
Design
As the images above depict, the Easy Pump is
comprised of 3 main pieces; the hinge piece,
which is inserted into the handle of the gas
pump, the top handle which connects with the
hinged piece, and the string, which is how the
device is able to apply the upward force on the
gas pump lever. The Easy Pump weighs
approximately 0.5lbs, well under the maximum
weight the user can hold. As the pictures above
show, the device is relatively small; both of the
two main handles (top and side) are about the
width of the users hand. The device is not thick
either and is only wide enough for the user to
wrap their hand around it with ease.
Functionality
The Easy Pump will assist Sandi Mugford, and
others who suffer from arthritis to pump gas
easier and with less pain. As the client

2. Gas Nozzle Device
2
requested, the device minimizes pain and is fully
functional. The Easy Pump works at gas stations
in the Hamilton and surrounding area so the
user will be able to use it knowing that she will
be able to independently pump gas regardless of
where she travels.
Materials,Components,and
Assembly
There are a number of simple, readily available
materials required to build the Easy Pump. A
small piece of poplar wood (or other hardwood),
a small and slightly larger wooden dowel, a
small rope pulley, small hinge, a strong and
flexible string, sandpaper, deck stain, glue and
screws. The total bill of materials adds to
approximately $10, and these materials can be
found at any local hardware store or even lying
around the house. In order to actually build the
Easy Pump, construction materials such as a
power saw and electric drill to cut the wood to
the proper dimensions and drill the holes where
the dowels are inserted. ____
Use
When the user arrives at the gas station they
should take the Easy Pump and place it near
where they will insert the gas nozzle into the
vehicle, we suggest on the back trunk. Once the
gas nozzle is inserted into the vehicle, using the
Easy Pump raise the top handle to allow the
hinged piece to fall. With one hand slightly widen
the space between the gas pump and the pump
lever, and insert the hinged piece of the product
through this area. The string will be pushed
down and the hinged piece will rise to meet the
smaller wooden dowel. When the smaller
wooden dowel is in the hole of the hinged piece,
the user will apply a small force on the top
handle, using a relaxed hand or arm. When the
gas tank is full, the gas pump lever will be
released, pushing the top handle up. Simply
remove the Easy Pump from the side, similar to
how it was inserted. The user can store the
device anywhere in her car, since needs to go to
the trunk to get her wallet to pay for the gas; it
could be stored there. It would also be easy for
her to store it beside her in her vehicle in an
existing compartment or on the passenger seat.
Benefits
There are a number of different reasons why the
Easy Pump by Infinite Solutions is better than
existing solutions. For our design we chose to
focus on the dispensing of gasoline because we
felt it was a long task that caused a lot of pain,
and there already exists alternatives for
payment, such as the new InteracFlash quick
pay option being introduced to many gas
stations in Southern Ontario. Therefore our
device already gives the user the ability to do a
task where there were no alternatives.
Initially dispensing the gas was a long, painful
process for the client where she would
constantly need to readjust her hands to
maintain a continuous flow. The handles are
easy to grip by the user (who suffers from
rheumatoid arthritis), because they are wide. In
order to actually dispense the gasoline the user
is not required to exert her hand muscles, she
simply needs to slightly push down on the top
handle which pulls the string tight to exert an
upward force on the gas pump lever. Now, once
the Easy Pump is in place, it is a simple task to
apply the downward force with her relaxed
hands or arms. Our design is also lightweight,
weighing approximately 0.5 lbs. We achieved
this by making it out of lightweight wood. The
product is compact and can be stored anywhere
in the users vehicle without ever being in the
way.
In conclusion we met the main objective of
allowing the user to feel independent and pump
gas in a way that is less painful than ever before.
The Easy Pump is a one of the most beneficial
methods of attaining this objective because of its
lightweight, compact design.