Co-Molded Jaw Reaching Tool With Lockable Folding Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaching and grasping tools face challenges in storage and transportation due to their telescoping poles, which are inconvenient to carry and do not fit in typical containers.
Innovation Solution
A foldable reaching and grasping tool with a hinge assembly that allows the jaw assembly to be sidelong-adjacent the trigger assembly, featuring a selectively lockable hinge and a mechanism with a cable and biasing member to maintain grip without continuous squeezing, enabling folding for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the pole is made telescoping to extend reach, then the reaching capability is improved, but the storage and transportation convenience deteriorates due to increased length and inability to fit in typical containers
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be extended for reaching and collapsed for storage. The jaw assembly is separated from the trigger assembly by a hinge, allowing the jaw to be folded adjacent to the trigger assembly when not in use, effectively segmenting the tool into storable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly allows the jaw assembly to move from a linear extension (increasing reach in one dimension) to a folded position where the jaw is sidelong-adjacent to the trigger assembly (utilizing a different spatial dimension for storage). This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction between reach and storage.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly is made selectively lockable between operating and folded positions, then the storage convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly includes a selective lock that can be engaged or disengaged by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The lock automatically maintains the jaw assembly in either the operating or folded position, allowing the device to self-maintain its configuration state.
3Ease of operation
If a cable and biasing member mechanism is used to maintain grip, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating continuous squeezing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member creates a periodic or sustained force that automatically maintains the jaw in a gripping position without requiring continuous user input. The cable transmits this force from the trigger mechanism to the jaw, creating an automatic grip maintenance system that activates only when the trigger is initially engaged.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient storage and transportation by reducing the tool's length when not in use, while maintaining grip functionality through a lockable hinge and cable-biasing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operably coupled between the first trigger and the second jaw
Implementation Method 2
a cable operably coupled between the first trigger and the at least one jaw, the cable extending through the hinge assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A reaching and grabbing tool is provided. The tool includes a trigger assembly having at least one trigger and a handle. A jaw assembly is provided having at least one jaw operably connected to the at least one trigger to move the at least one jaw. A hinge assembly is disposed between the trigger assembly and the jaw assembly, the hinge assembly being selectively lockable between an operating position and a folded position.