Elastomeric Grip Support Strap for Sanitary Assistive Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive grip devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and prone to bacterial contamination due to stiff materials and mechanical affixing mechanisms, making them unsuitable for individuals with limited grip strength or mobility.
Innovation Solution
A temporary, adjustable, one-piece molded grip device made from a flexible, tacky, and quick-drying elastomeric material with multiple apertures, allowing for easy attachment to items without the need for buckles or snaps, providing a secure and hygienic grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps with buckles, snaps, hook and loop are used to secure the user's hand to the device, then the device can be attached to the hand, but the device becomes complex and difficult to operate for persons with limited grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (buckles, snaps, hook and loop) with an elastomeric material system that uses elastic deformation and friction. The elastomeric strap stretches to accommodate the hand and item, then maintains secure attachment through material properties rather than mechanical components, making it easier for persons with limited grip to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the elastomeric material - specifically its elasticity and friction coefficients - to achieve secure attachment. The material's ability to stretch and return to its original shape, combined with its frictional properties, provides reliable attachment without requiring complex mechanical fasteners.
2Strength
If stiff and inflexible materials are used for the device, then the device maintains structural integrity, but the device becomes difficult to keep clean, dry and bacteria free
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the material from stiff and inflexible to elastomeric and flexible. This transformation maintains structural integrity through the material's elastic properties while simultaneously improving hygiene by allowing the material to be easily cleaned, dried, and resistant to bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric material that combines the necessary structural integrity with hygiene benefits. The composite nature of the elastomeric material provides both mechanical strength for supporting the item and surface properties that resist bacterial contamination and facilitate easy cleaning.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece molded device is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device must be flexible enough to stretch onto items while maintaining tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the desired combination of flexibility and strength by carefully selecting and controlling the parameters of the elastomeric material. The material's tensile strength, elongation properties, and durometer are optimized to allow the one-piece device to stretch onto items while maintaining sufficient strength to support them securely.
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 offers a simple, effective, and sanitary means to assist individuals with grip issues, providing a secure grip without structural failure, easy cleaning, and preventing bacterial contamination, suitable for various applications and user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible elastomeric material that is non-bacteria housing and has enough structural integrity to support said items without structural failure
Implementation Method 2
wherein said device is made of a tacky, quick-drying material
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for providing assistance in gripping items that is sanitary and flexible. In its simplest embodiment, the device is an elongated elastomeric piece with two ends, each end terminating in an enclosed aperture that can be attached to a device to be gripped. Alternate embodiments include an embodiment with a third hole for thumb assistance from the other hand for placing the strap around the hand of the user and the item to be gripped, an embodiment with a middle hole thereby providing three holes wherein the center hole wraps around the center of a baby bottle while the two end holes wrap around the top and bottom of the baby bottle while providing space between the top and bottom holes for the baby's hands, an embodiment with a y-strap for gripping hand tools and an embodiment with a center long hole to allow for the bend in the knuckles of the hand of the user.