Gripping Aid With Adjustable Restraint And Anti-Slip Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand aids for manually impaired individuals often fail to securely hold a variety of tools without slippage and are not adaptable to different sizes and shapes, requiring tool modification and limited ergonomic support.
Innovation Solution
A customizable hand aid device with 3D CAD-designed and 3D-printed components, featuring high-friction supports and a flexible restraint system, allowing for ambidextrous use and adjustable size and shape to fit individual hand arches and tool sizes, with optional hand support and anti-slip elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hand aids are designed for specific tasks or specific supported implements, then they can provide specialized support, but they cannot adapt to a variety of sizes and shapes of different implements
Solution Approach 1:
The hand aid device is designed with a universal support surface that can accommodate multiple different implements (paintbrushes, glue sticks, markers, pencils, pens, utensils) of varying sizes and shapes. The support top features a large flat surface with textured anti-slip material that can hold any implement without requiring task-specific customization, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to diverse user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable components including a movable restraint cord with carabiner clip that can be positioned at different locations, and a flexible wrist strap that can be adjusted for different hand sizes. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to various implement sizes and user hand dimensions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If traditional hand aids are used, then they may provide basic support, but they cannot maintain the tool in a stable position without slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The support top surface is treated with a textured anti-slip material (rubberized or silicone coating) specifically at the area where implements rest. This localized high-friction surface provides reliable tool holding stability without requiring the entire device to be complex or expensive to manufacture. The anti-slip texture is applied only where needed to prevent slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines a rigid plastic or aluminum body structure with a flexible rubberized or silicone anti-slip coating on the support surface. This composite material approach provides both structural integrity for stability and high-friction surface for preventing slippage, achieving reliable tool holding while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional coating processes.
3Ease of operation
If the hand aid is designed to fit specific hand arches and sizes, then ergonomic support is improved, but the device cannot accommodate varying hand dimensions across different users
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist strap is designed as a flexible, adjustable component that can be positioned at different locations and tightened to different degrees. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to accommodate varying hand sizes and arch shapes, providing ergonomic comfort for each user without requiring multiple size-specific devices. The carabiner clip can also be repositioned along the restraint cord to optimize the angle and position for different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into adjustable segments including the wrist strap length, restraint cord positioning, and carabiner clip location. These segmented, independently adjustable components allow customization for different hand dimensions and ergonomic preferences, making the device adaptable to various users while maintaining comfort and support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom 3D CAD designs are created for each user, then device customization is improved, but the cost and complexity of production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses standardized components with adjustable parameters (restraint cord length, carabiner position, wrist strap tension) rather than requiring custom 3D CAD designs for each user. The 3D printed body maintains a consistent geometry with fixed structural features, while customization is achieved through parameter adjustment of interchangeable components. This approach provides user adaptation without the high cost and complexity of custom manufacturing for each individual.
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 securely holds a range of tools without slippage, accommodating varying hand and tool sizes, providing ergonomic support and adaptability at minimal additional cost, enhancing usability for manually impaired individuals.
Implementation Method 1
The portion of the device that needs customizing is created by a 3D CAD computer program and produced by a 3D printer compatible with the 3D CAD output
Implementation Method 2
The supported implement is firmly held in place against four high friction supports by a restraining device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manually impaired individuals. The apparatus includes a top element having a base and at least two pairs of arms extending outwardly from the base. The base includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The apparatus further includes a handle connecting to the top element at a distal end of the top element. The handle includes an end part. The end part includes a third aperture and a slot connected by a “V” shaped portion. The apparatus further includes a restraint having a first end securing at an interior of the handle via the first aperture of the base and a second end of the restraint exposed outside the handle.