Conical Grip Design Reduces Hand Fatigue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand grips for poles used in sporting and walking activities cause fatigue due to the need for a firm squeezing force to maintain grip, especially during long-duration activities, and are uncomfortable for users with conditions like arthritis or when wearing gloves.
Innovation Solution
A cone-shaped grip design that distributes axial force over a larger surface area, allowing for a relaxed grip position with minimal hand squeezing force, while maintaining stability and comfort through a conical shape with a smaller diameter at the top and larger diameter at the base, and additional friction features like spirals or notches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firm squeezing force is applied to maintain grip on the pole, then the hand is secured in place and prevents sliding, but hand and forearm fatigue increases during long-duration activities
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is divided into two functional zones: a lower zone that reacts axial force to lock the hand in place, and an upper zone that provides friction to prevent sliding. This segmentation allows the hand to relax while maintaining secure grip, eliminating the need for continuous squeezing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry acts as an intermediary mechanism between the axial load and the hand. The cone shape transforms the axial reaction force into a locking force that secures the hand without requiring direct muscular engagement, serving as a mechanical mediator that reduces fatigue.
2Reliability
If the grip relies on friction force to prevent hand sliding, then grip security is maintained, but the hand must continuously exert squeezing force which causes fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is divided into two functional zones: a lower zone that reacts axial force to lock the hand in place, and an upper zone that provides friction to prevent sliding. This segmentation allows the hand to relax while maintaining secure grip, eliminating the need for continuous squeezing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry automatically generates a locking force in response to axial loading, making the system self-regulating. The cone shape inherently provides the mechanical advantage needed to secure the hand without requiring active muscular effort, allowing the grip to serve itself rather than relying on continuous hand pressure.
3Reliability
If a grip stop is placed at the base of the handle to stop hand movement downward, then axial load is reacted through the grip, but the load is applied through a small surface area causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The conical grip provides a gradient of surface area along its length, with the larger diameter at the base distributing axial loads over a greater hand surface area. This local variation in geometry optimizes both load reaction and comfort, eliminating the need for a separate grip stop while improving the user experience.
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
Reduces hand and forearm fatigue by minimizing the required grip strength and improving comfort, allowing users to engage in activities like skiing, hiking, and walking with reduced strain and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
distributes axial force over a larger surface of the hand
Implementation Method 2
the force that locks the hand on the grip to prevent it from sliding downward is predominately the hand squeezing force and not the axial reaction force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents a multi-purpose pole grip design in a generally conical shape to resist a user's hand from sliding off it while under axial loading. The present disclosure provides a more ergonomic and comfortable handle that requires less grip strength thus making it a prime design for poles used in sports like skiing and hiking and general walking sticks, including canes.