Foldable Reaching Tool with Hinge Assembly for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaching and grasping tools are inconvenient for storage and transportation due to their length, which makes them difficult to carry or fit in typical storage containers.
Innovation Solution
A foldable reaching and grasping tool with a hinge assembly and offset axis of rotation, allowing the tool to be folded into a compact position, facilitating storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the pole is made telescoping to extend reach distance, then the reaching capability is improved, but the storage and transportation convenience deteriorates due to increased length
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is designed with a telescoping structure where one pole segment is inserted inside another, allowing the pole to extend to a long length for reaching distant objects and collapse to a short length for convenient storage in pockets or bags
Solution Approach 2:
The pole transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescoping structure that can change its length between extended and retracted states, enabling both long reach capability and compact storage
2Ease of operation
If the pole is made foldable with hinge assembly and offset axis of rotation, then the storage and transportation convenience is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple segments connected by hinge assemblies with offset axes of rotation, allowing each segment to fold relative to others and enabling the pole to collapse into a compact configuration for storage
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly with offset axis of rotation introduces a rotational dimension to the pole structure, allowing it to fold perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and achieve compact storage configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A reaching and grabbing tool is provided. The tool includes a trigger assembly having a bigger and a handle. A jaw assembly is provided having at least one jaw operably connected to the trigger to move the at least one jaw. A hinge assembly is disposed between the trigger assembly and the jaw assembly, the hinge assembly being selectively lockable between an operating position and a folded position.