Bendable Arm Grabber Tool with Forearm Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grabber tools are rigid and linear, making it difficult to access obstructed objects and causing strain on the user's hand and radiocarpal joint due to the direct transfer of object weight.
Innovation Solution
A grabber tool with a bendable distal end and an arm support mechanism that allows the tool to be configured in a non-linear arrangement, featuring a pivot mechanism for collapsing into a compact form and an arm support arrangement to counterbalance the load on the user's forearm, reducing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the distal arm end is made rigid and linear to bear and transfer load, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to reach obstructed objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distal arm end is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the arm to bend and reach around obstructions while each segment maintains structural integrity to bear load
Solution Approach 2:
The distal arm end transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change its configuration, enabling it to adapt to different reaching scenarios while maintaining load-bearing capability through controlled articulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal arm end is made bendable to reach obstructed objects, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by joints, where each segment maintains high structural strength while the collection of segments provides overall flexibility to reach obstructed objects
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joints allow the arm to form curved paths rather than requiring the entire arm to be flexible, maintaining rigidity in each segment while achieving bending capability through the sequence of articulated segments
3Power
If the rigid linear arm directly transfers object weight to the user's hand, then the force transmission efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to strain on hand and radiocarpal joint
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm segments act as intermediaries between the grabbed object and the user's hand, distributing the mechanical load through multiple joints and segments rather than directly transmitting it to the hand, thereby reducing strain while maintaining force transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmission path is extended into additional spatial dimensions through the articulated segments, distributing the force vector across multiple connection points and reducing the concentrated strain on the user's hand and wrist joint
Data Source
AI summary
A grabber tool enables a user to grab objects, and particularly obstructed objects. The grabber tool includes a handle mechanism, an elongate arm portion, and a pincher mechanism. The handle mechanism is configured to be ergonomically received in a user's hand and includes a trigger mechanism configured to enable at least a portion of the user's hand to selectively direct the trigger mechanism. The elongate arm portion extends distally from the handle mechanism and includes at least one bendable portion. The pincher mechanism operably extends distally from the elongate arm portion and is operatively coupled to the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is operable to selectively close and open the pincher mechanism via the bendable portion. In some applications, the grabber tool may further include an arm support arrangement configured to engage a user's forearm for countering a pincher mechanism load at the user's forearm.