Caterham student invents pen for eczema sufferers

Brunel University student Sam Clarke from Caterham invents pen for eczema sufferers

8:00am Friday 17th May 2013 in News By Chris Baynes, Reporter

A drawing of Sam's invention

Sufferers of severe eczema could one day find writing easier, thanks to an invention dreamt up by a Caterham student.

Sam Clarke, 18, was shortlisted for a national prize for his creation - a hand-held device which helps those so badly afflicted they struggle to grip a pen.

The first-year product design student at Brunel University was one of five finalists in the If Only It Worked competition, run by the University of Bath.

The competition challenged students to find innovative solutions to everyday problems facing people with disabilities and long-term illnesses.

His invention works like a computer mouse, giving eczema sufferers a large object to grip which allows small, controlled movement, meaning it requires less dexterity to use than a pen.

Sam said: "People with severe eczema often struggle with tasks that require dexterity or a tight grip such as drawing or writing.

"This is a problem that is often overlooked so I wanted to see if I could create a device which would help make this everyday task easier for lots of people with this condition."

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Caterham student invents pen for eczema sufferers