Funnel Retriever Scraper Plate Mechanism for Small Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retrievers and grabbers are limited in picking up small or two-dimensional objects and do not efficiently deliver grasped items directly to the user's hand, as they require complex maneuvers to release the object.
Innovation Solution
A retriever with a movable scraper plate and container system, where the scraper plate can be actuated to push objects into a container, allowing for the retrieval of various shapes and sizes, including small items and two-dimensional objects, and enables direct delivery to the user's hand by angling the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grabbers use fingers to grasp objects, then they can pick up objects of certain size and shape, but they cannot pick up very small objects or two-dimensional objects such as small pieces of paper
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper plate is made movable between open and closed positions, allowing the device to adapt its configuration. When closed, it forms a container for small/flat objects; when open, it can scrape surfaces. This dynamic transformation enables versatility without requiring multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a scraping surface to collect objects, forms a container wall when closed to hold objects, and can be positioned in different configurations. This multi-functionality allows one device to handle various object types (small items, flat objects, irregular shapes) that conventional single-function grabbers cannot accommodate.
2Ease of operation
If conventional grabbers grasp objects with fingers, then they can hold objects, but they do not easily deliver the grasped object directly to a user's hand and require complex maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The container can be tilted and rotated to present its opening in different orientations. By changing the spatial orientation of the container opening, objects can be delivered directly to the user's hand from various angles without requiring complex grasping and transferring maneuvers. The opening can be positioned upward, sideways, or at any angle needed for direct delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grabbers use fixed fingers, then the structure is simple, but the fingers cannot adapt to different object sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper plate transitions from a static component in conventional grabbers to a dynamic component that can move between open and closed positions. This movement capability allows the device to adapt its internal volume and opening size to accommodate different object types, from very small items to larger irregular objects, without requiring complex articulated fingers.
Data Source
AI summary
A retriever for retrieving objects, including an elongated arm; a container on one end of the arm having an opening providing access to an interior of the container; and an actuator on the other end of the arm. Operation of the actuator causes movement of a scraper plate between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the scraper plate is spaced from the opening. When in the closed position, the scraper plate contacts the container at the opening. If an object is located in the space between the scraper plate and the opening, then movement of the scraper plate between the open and closed positions pushes the object into the interior of the container. The object can then slide through a channel along the arm, and be retrieved by a user from an opening in the channel near the trigger.