Multi-Appendage Gripper with Flexible Inelastic Appendages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for holding, gripping, or suspending objects, such as camera or smartphone holders, lack versatility and stability, particularly in adapting to different shapes and surfaces, and do not offer interchangeable and detachable appendages for varied applications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-appendage device with flexible, inelastic appendages made of molded elastomeric material, featuring ball-and-arm sections and embedded strands, allowing for bending and shaping, with options for suction cups, fasteners, and magnetic attachments, enabling secure grip and attachment to various surfaces and objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid holders are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different shapes and surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different shapes and surfacesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible appendages made of elastomeric material that can bend and conform to different shapes and surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible material allows the device to adapt to various object geometries without compromising stability, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The appendages are designed to be dynamically flexible rather than statically rigid, allowing them to change shape as needed while maintaining connection to the body. This dynamic flexibility enables the device to adapt to different configurations while preserving overall structural stability through the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed appendages are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but interchangeability and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeability of appendagesVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a body and detachable appendages that can be separated and recombined. This segmentation allows different appendages to be interchanged on the same body for different applications while maintaining structural integrity through the connection interface between appendages and body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The body is designed with universal connection points that can accommodate multiple types of appendages. This universality allows a single body to perform multiple functions by attaching different appendages, enhancing versatility while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment options are added, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of attachment optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple attachment functions are merged into the appendage design itself, with different appendages providing different attachment mechanisms (suction cups, magnetic attachments, fasteners). This consolidation approach provides versatile attachment options without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as each appendage integrates its attachment function rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides enhanced versatility and stability by allowing appendages to be bent into different shapes and securely attach to various objects and surfaces, supporting objects of up to 10-15 pounds, and is easily detachable and interchangeable, making it suitable for multiple applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one appendage includes a distal end having a suction cup enabling suctioning attachment and stabilization of the appendage to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

at least one appendage includes a distal end having a magnetic component enabling magnetic attachment and stabilization of the appendage to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9874305B2Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 OCTOGRIP LLC

AI summary

A multi-appendage device for holding, suspending, or gripping an object. The device includes: a body, and a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body. Each appendage in turn includes an elongate integral piece of molded material, and an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic. In accordance with this aspect, each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent. Preferably, the device further includes an add-on component that attaches to the body to extend from a top of the body and serve as a handle. Alternatively or additionally, the add-on component may include a light, a storage compartment, or both.