Bee's knees

Project Overview

Bee's Knees is a purpose-built measurement system designed to bring consistency and clarity to physical range-of-motion assessments. Whether used in a professional environment or for personal tracking, the goal was to eliminate the inconsistency of "eyeballing" a standard ruler and provide a structured, high-visibility method for measuring ankle dorsiflexion.

The project resulted in a two-part modular system: the Bee Board, which interfaces flat against the wall, and the Honeycomb Insert, which utilizes a slotted alignment system to mark the measurement position with high precision.

Design Focus

The project was built around two core pillars: high-visibility readability and mechanical consistency:

• Standing-Height Readability: The measurement markings on the Bee Board are sized specifically to be legible from a standing height. This removes the ergonomic need to crouch during an assessment.

• Slotted Alignment System: The stripe-shaped slots in the Bee Board secure the Honeycomb Insert in place, ensuring the measurement point remains stable between readings.

• Dual-Precision Insert: The Honeycomb Insert features a reversible design. One side provides full-increment markings, while the other provides additional 5 mm precision, allowing for granular data collection.

• Kinesthetic Reference Point: The insert also serves as a physical stop for the foot. This helps establish a repeatable starting position for every iteration of the test.

The Assembly System

• The Bee Board (PLA): The primary measurement surface. It sits flush against the wall and measures up to 205 mm. The integrated slots provide both a distinct aesthetic and a functional mechanical interface for the insert.

• The Honeycomb Insert (PLA): The precision alignment tool. It slides into the Bee Board to act as a physical foot indicator and flips to toggle between standard and 5 mm increments.

Functional Breakthrough

The turning point for this design was recognizing that assessment consistency is dependent on setup stability. Traditional methods involving loose rulers on the ground are prone to shifting and parallax error. By integrating the measurement scale into a rigid board and providing a physical reference point for the foot, the system ensures that every assessment is performed from the same mechanical foundation.

Reflection & Tools

• The priority was simplicity and "zero-knowledge" operation: place the board, slide the insert, and record the data.

• CAD: Plasticity

• 3D Printing: Prusa CORE One

• Slicing: PrusaSlicer

Disclaimer & Safety

Not a Medical Device: Bee's Knees is an experimental ergonomic prototype and measurement aid. It has NOT been evaluated, approved, or endorsed by any medical or regulatory body (such as Health Canada or the FDA).

Consult a Professional: Always ensure that physical assessments are reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult with a professional to ensure this tool is appropriate for your specific needs.

User is the Manufacturer: By downloading these files, the user acknowledges they are the manufacturer of the physical object and assume 100% responsibility for material selection, print settings, and safety testing.

Evolution of the Design