Finger-Mounted Vacuum Pickup Tool for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pickup tools require users to hold them with fingers, limiting hand dexterity for other tasks and causing inefficiencies due to frequent picking up and putting down.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mounted vacuum pickup tool with a finger band, ring cap, and vacuum cup that allows for quick attachment to a user's finger, enabling vacuum lifting with minimal impact on hand dexterity for other tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wand-style vacuum pickup tool is held between the thumb and another finger, then the vacuum lifting function is achieved, but hand dexterity for other tasks is limited and the tool must be frequently picked up and put down
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into a finger-mounted vacuum cup assembly that can be independently attached to and removed from the finger, separating the vacuum function from the hand. This allows the finger to remain occupied with the vacuum cup while other fingers are free for data entry or other tasks, eliminating the need to put down the entire tool for sequential tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A finger band serves as an intermediary element that attaches the vacuum cup assembly to the finger. This intermediary component allows the vacuum cup to remain securely mounted on the finger during tasks, eliminating the need to frequently pick up and put down the tool while maintaining hand dexterity for other activities.
2Reliability
If the vacuum cup is mounted on the finger, then the tool can be held securely during tasks, but the vacuum seal may be compromised by finger movement or contact with the material
Solution Approach 1:
The finger band is designed with specific local properties - it provides secure attachment at the finger base while leaving the fingertip free for vacuum cup contact. The ring cap structure provides a stable mounting point for the vacuum cup while allowing controlled finger movement, creating different functional qualities in different parts of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger band and ring cap are pre-configured to provide a stable mounting structure before the vacuum task begins. This preliminary attachment ensures that the vacuum cup maintains a consistent position and seal quality throughout the task, reducing the need for adjustments that would compromise either seal stability or finger comfort.
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
Enables efficient and ergonomic vacuum lifting of materials without restricting hand dexterity, allowing users to perform sequential tasks without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum cup configured to create a vacuum seal against the material
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum cup including a cup portion and a protrusion extending from a rear surface of the cup portion, the protrusion having a vacuum cup channel extending therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A finger mounted vacuum pickup tool for picking up a material may include a finger band configured to accommodate insertion of a user’s finger therein; a ring cap attached to the finger band; and a vacuum cup attached to the ring cap, the vacuum cup including a cup portion and a protrusion extending from a rear surface of the cup portion, the protrusion having a vacuum cup channel extending therethrough, wherein the vacuum cup is configured to create a vacuum seal against the material. The ring cap may include a ring cap inlet channel extending from the vacuum cup to a vent port. The tool may further include an actuation button positioned within the vent port or a vacuum supply tube operatively attached to the ring cap.