Adaptive Checker Piece Gripping Leaf for Easy Lift and Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional checker pieces are difficult for individuals with limited or diminished motor skills, strength, and dexterity to grip and manipulate comfortably, leading many to forego playing the game.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive checker piece design featuring a main body with a gripping leaf, an upper platform, and a lower toroid, allowing for comfortable gripping and stacking, with the gripping leaf being arcuate and angled outwardly to facilitate easy handling and nesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional smooth disk-shaped checker pieces are used, then the pieces are simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but they are difficult for individuals with limited dexterity to grip and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The checker piece is segmented into a main body and a separate gripping leaf component. The gripping leaf is attached to the main body at a proximal portion while extending outward at a distal portion, creating distinct functional zones that separate the gripping surface from the stacking surface, thereby improving ease of grip without compromising structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the checker piece are given different properties: the gripping leaf has a textured outer surface for enhanced grip, while the main body maintains a smooth surface for stacking. The gripping leaf extends outward at an angle to provide leverage, while the base remains flat and stable for stacking purposes
2Ease of operation
If the top portion of checker pieces is made larger to enable lifting, then gripping becomes easier, but the pieces become more difficult to stack and store
Solution Approach 1:
The checker piece is divided into a main body and a separate gripping leaf component. The gripping leaf is attached to the main body at a proximal portion while extending outward at a distal portion, creating distinct functional zones that separate the gripping surface from the stacking surface, thereby improving gripping ease without compromising stacking stability
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping leaf is designed to nest within the gripping leaf of another piece when stacked, with the distal portion extending outward allowing one piece to fit partially within another. This nesting arrangement maintains compact stacking while preserving the extended gripping surface for easy lifting
3Ease of operation
If features like jewels or protrusions are added to help with gripping, then dexterity requirements are reduced, but the pieces become more complex and may have dislodged components
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping leaf is given a textured outer surface that provides enhanced grip through increased surface friction. This localized texturing improves gripping comfort without adding separate components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is merged into the main body structure through the integrated gripping leaf rather than adding separate detachable components. The gripping leaf is formed as part of the checker piece itself, eliminating the risk of dislodged components while providing enhanced gripping through its extended, textured surface
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive checker piece for facilitating gripping and manipulation of the checker piece comprising a round main body and a gripping leaf extending therefrom. The gripping leaf forms a segment of a cone spanning an angular range α, and the gripping leaf is angled outwardly relative to a central axis of the main body at an angle β. A round upper platform projects concentrically from the main body but with a smaller diameter whereby an upper raceway is formed. The gripping leaf projects from the main body from a position laterally outward of the upper raceway. A lower toroid projects concentrically from a lower portion of the main body and is sized to receive an upper platform of a second adaptive checker piece in an interference fit. Multiple checker pieces can be stacked to make king pieces and for storage despite the presence of the gripping leaf.