Articulated Picking Head With Interchangeable Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Picking up small items from the ground requires frequent bending, which can cause discomfort, injury, and disrupt productivity, especially for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, and there is a need for a device that allows picking up items without bending down and can adapt to various item types.
Innovation Solution
A picking device with a configurable body, ergonomic handle, and adjustable head equipped with fasteners, allowing for versatile interaction angles and adaptability to different items, including a hinge for foldability and telescopic options for adjustable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user picks up items from the ground using traditional methods, then items can be retrieved, but the user experiences back strain and discomfort from frequent bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a picking device as an intermediary tool between the user and items on the ground. The device includes a body with a head portion that can contact items, a handle for user grip, and optionally a wrist loop for support. This intermediary allows users to retrieve items without direct hand-to-ground contact or excessive bending, thereby eliminating back strain while maintaining item retrieval functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a picking device is designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different item types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through interchangeable fasteners (magnetic, adhesive, hook-and-loop) that can be attached to or removed from the head portion. This allows the device to adapt to different item types (metal objects, paper, fabric items) without changing the basic device structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The picking device is designed with universal functionality through multiple attachment options (magnetic fasteners for metal items, adhesive fasteners for smooth surfaces, hook-and-loop for fabric items) and adjustable features (telescopic body, articulating head). This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle various item types and picking scenarios without requiring multiple specialized tools.
3Productivity
If a picking device allows frequent bending for item retrieval, then productivity is maintained, but physical well-being deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the picking action into a new dimension by using a wrist loop that can be attached to the user's wrist. This allows the device to hang from the wrist during use, distributing weight and reducing strain on the back and arms. The telescopic body also allows length adjustment to reach items at different distances, eliminating the need for repeated bending motions and maintaining productivity while protecting physical well-being.
Data Source
AI summary
A picking device is provided comprised of a body that may include a hinge for folding, facilitated by a locking button or similar control, or may be telescopic, allowing extension or retraction to specified lengths secured by a locking member, preventing unintended adjustments. One end of the device features a handle, ergonomically designed and equipped with a grip area, hanging opening, and an optional adjustable wrist loop for enhanced usability and security. The opposite end includes a head, which may be fixed or articulated through a pivot point, allowing for versatile interaction angles. The head incorporates a fastener, such as an adhesive, magnetic, or hook element, to engage with objects, and may offer replaceable fasteners for task-specific applications, thereby enhancing the device's adaptability.