Fluid-Driven Tool Actuation for Low-Hand-Strength Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools, such as brushes, are difficult for individuals with arthritis or the elderly to grasp and operate due to their manual operation requirements, which can lead to inefficient use and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow actuated tool that utilizes a water wheel structure activated by a flow of fluid, allowing for easy grasping and operation with minimal user effort, featuring a housing with a fluid guide member and a tool shaft connected to a gear system that rotates the tool when fluid is supplied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual tools are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using fluid flow to rotate a water wheel structure, which drives the tool through a gear system. This replaces manual mechanical operation with fluid-powered actuation, enabling users with limited hand strength to operate the tool easily by simply controlling fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the manual mechanical operation system with a fluid-powered system. Instead of requiring direct manual force to rotate the tool, the user controls a trigger valve that directs fluid flow to rotate the water wheel, which then drives the tool through gears. This replaces the need for direct mechanical force application with a fluid-mechanical transmission system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual operation is required, then the device structure is simple, but the user effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic actuation where fluid flow provides the driving force for tool operation. The trigger valve controls fluid flow direction to rotate the water wheel, which drives the tool through a gear system. This transfers energy from the fluid to the tool, significantly reducing the physical effort required by the user compared to direct manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to perform work using energy from the fluid flow rather than requiring continuous manual input. Once the user initiates fluid flow through the trigger valve, the system self-sustains operation through the water wheel and gear mechanism, reducing ongoing user effort to merely controlling the fluid flow initiation and termination.
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 operation of tools with reduced manual effort, making them easier to maneuver and use, particularly for those with limited hand strength, by converting fluid flow into rotational motion to operate the tool.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating mechanism includes a water wheel structure. The water wheel structure is connected to a tool. At least a portion of the water wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluid for rotating the water wheel structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow actuated tool including a housing, a tool and an actuating mechanism. The housing includes a housing interior. The housing interior receives a flow of fluid. The actuating mechanism includes a fluid wheel structure. The fluid wheel structure is connected to the tool. At least a portion of the fluid wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluid for rotating the fluid wheel structure. The tool is actuated based on rotation of the fluid wheel structure.