Configurable Finger-Mounted Tool Set With Adjustable Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools and technologies lack configurability and extensibility, making it difficult to work with small, delicate, or dangerous objects, especially when fine motor skills are lacking or when affixing tools to fingers, prostheses, or machines, as they often require complex attachment methods and do not allow for multiple tool attachments or angle adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool set with interchangeable elements and adjustable shafts that can be easily affixed and removed from fingers, thumbs, prostheses, and machines, allowing for a variety of tools to be assembled into a tool set with customizable angles and lengths, using connectors and sleeves that can be attached via friction, threads, screws, or other methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hand-held tools are used, then tools can be held and operated, but fine motor manipulation becomes difficult and complex objects require excessive muscle effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a finger-mounted tool holder as an intermediary device between the finger and the working tool. This holder provides a stable mounting point that leverages the finger's natural dexterity while supporting tools that would otherwise require excessive grip force or fine motor control. The holder acts as a mediator that translates finger movement into precise tool manipulation without requiring the user to directly grasp and manipulate the tool itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual tools are mounted on fingers, then tool functionality is provided, but configurability and extensibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal finger-mounted tool holder that can accommodate multiple different tool types through a standardized interface. The holder includes a mounting mechanism that can securely attach various tools (screwdrivers, tweezers, probes, etc.) to the same finger position. This universal design provides configurability without requiring complex individual attachment systems for each tool, as the same holder structure serves multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system is segmented into separate modular components: the finger-mounted holder, the tool shaft, and the working end. This segmentation allows independent selection and attachment of different tool components based on the specific task requirements. The holder and shaft can be detached and reconfigured with different tool ends, providing extensibility while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
3Ease of operation
If tools are affixed to fingers or equipment, then tool functionality is achieved, but attachment and removal requires complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The finger-mounted holder is pre-configured with a ready-to-attach interface before the tool is needed. The mounting mechanism includes pre-positioned engagement features (such as pre-formed slots, clips, or friction-fit interfaces) that allow the tool shaft to be quickly attached without requiring complex assembly procedures. This preliminary preparation of the attachment interface enables rapid tool changes when tasks are switched.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length shafts are used, then tool structure is simple, but reach and angle adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable-length shafts that can be dynamically reconfigured based on task requirements. The shaft includes telescoping sections, sliding segments, or adjustable joint mechanisms that allow the user to extend or retract the shaft length and adjust its angle. This dynamic adjustability provides reach and angle variability while using relatively simple mechanical mechanisms such as friction-fit telescoping tubes or spring-loaded extension segments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention defines a unique structure and methodology for creating a plurality of configurable and extensible tools that can be affixed to a plurality of digits and equipment to form tool sets for working more easily with objects.