Collapsible Telescopic Grabber with Nested Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reacher grabbers are not compact, concealable, collapsible, rugged, precise, and aesthetically acceptable, making them less likely to be used and more embarrassing to carry in public.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible grabber device with a telescoping pole, a jaw assembly at the distal end, a handle to house the pole and jaw assembly in a collapsed state, a lever for controlling the jaw assembly, and a spring for biasing the jaws, coupled with a cable for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the grabber device is made compact and collapsible, then it becomes concealable and aesthetically acceptable, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping pole is divided into multiple segments that can extend and retract, allowing the device to transition between compact and extended states. This segmentation enables the pole to be collapsed into a compact form for concealment while extending to the required length for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole segments are nested within each other, with smaller segments fitting inside larger ones when collapsed. This nesting arrangement allows the device to achieve a compact, concealable form when not in use while maintaining the capability to extend fully when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the jaw assembly is made precise for gripping small items, then the gripping precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly incorporates movable jaws that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to precisely grip objects of various sizes and shapes. The jaws are coupled to the telescoping pole through a linkage mechanism that allows precise control of the gripping motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable or linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's input at the handle and the jaw assembly, transmitting and converting the motion to achieve precise gripping. This intermediary mechanism allows fine control of the jaw movement without directly connecting the user's hand to the jaws.
3Length of moving object
If the telescoping pole is made extendable for reaching high items, then the reach distance increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping pole is constructed from multiple segments that can be extended sequentially to increase the reach distance. Each segment can be independently controlled to extend or retract, allowing the pole to achieve the required length for reaching high items while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole employs a dynamic extension mechanism that allows the segments to move between a compact retracted state and an extended reach state. This dynamic capability enables the pole to adapt its length according to the task requirements without requiring a permanently long structure.
4Shape
If the jaw assembly is made collapsible for portability, then the device becomes more concealable, but the reliability of the gripping function decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed as a separate module that can be collapsed into the telescoping pole for portability and concealment. The segmentation allows the jaw assembly to be independently folded without compromising its structural integrity or gripping function when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is pre-configured with springs and linkages that automatically position the jaws in the correct orientation and tension when extended. This preliminary configuration ensures that the gripping function is reliable and ready for use immediately upon deployment, without requiring manual adjustment.
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
The device is extremely compact, allowing it to be carried in a purse, provides precise and discreet retrievals, and is suitable for individuals of small stature or those with mobility issues, reducing the need for bending and enhancing user independence.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the jaw assembly for biasing the jaws in either an open position or a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a cable coupling the jaw assembly and the lever
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible grabber device, comprises a telescoping pole; a jaw assembly at the distal end of the pole comprising two jaws movably coupled by a pivot for releasably gripping an object in a closed position, a handle at the proximal end configured to house the telescoping pole and the jaw assembly in the collapsed state; a lever on handle for controlling the jaw assembly; a spring within the jaw assembly for biasing the jaws in either an open position or a closed position; and a cable coupling the jaw assembly and the lever. Advantages of the grabber include compactness, concealability, higher usage rates, collapsibility/extendibility, ruggedness, precision and attractiveness.