Self-Tensioning Gripping Glove With Releasable Tendon Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand gripping devices, such as motorized systems, are cumbersome, expensive, and limit hand motion, making them unsuitable for everyday use due to their bulkiness and energy consumption, while simpler systems like padded gloves offer insufficient support for repetitive tasks.
Innovation Solution
A self-tensioning and releasable gripping glove with flexible artificial tendons that lock in an articulated position using a locking mechanism actuated by the user's hand, allowing for independent finger movement and release through a thumb-activated mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If motorized systems are used to assist hand gripping, then gripping support is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor from the glove structure entirely, extracting the complex power system and replacing it with passive elastic elements. The artificial tendons are tensioned manually and maintain grip without requiring continuous motor power, thus eliminating batteries, motors, and control electronics while preserving gripping assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements store energy when the hand closes and automatically maintain tension on the artificial tendons. The system serves itself by using the hand's own closing motion to tension the tendons, and the elastic recoil provides continuous gripping force without external power sources or complex control systems.
2Strength
If motorized systems are used to assist hand gripping, then gripping support is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates motors, batteries, and power systems from the glove, replacing them with lightweight elastic elements. This extraction of heavy components dramatically reduces glove weight while maintaining gripping assistance through the elastic tension of the artificial tendons.
3Strength
If motorized systems are used to assist hand gripping, then gripping support is improved, but range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic elastic elements that automatically adjust tension based on hand position. As the hand moves through different ranges of motion, the elastic tendons flex and extend accordingly, providing gripping assistance throughout the full range of motion without mechanical constraints or motors that would limit movement.
4Ease of manufacture
If padded gloves are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but gripping support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gripping assistance function into separate artificial tendons for each finger, allowing independent tensioning and adjustment. This segmentation provides targeted gripping support to specific fingers while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the glove by introducing tensioned artificial tendons with elastic elements, transforming it from a passive padded structure to an active mechanical assistance system. The elastic elements provide dynamic tension that adapts to gripping forces, significantly enhancing grip strength while keeping the base glove structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable gripping glove is provided having one or more flexible artificial tendons extending through a finger section of a glove body. The flexible artificial tendon is configured to maintain a structurally articulated configuration when the finger section is articulated. Each tendon includes locking teeth that engages with a releasable locking tab extending form a locking mechanism configured to engage the locking teeth when the finger section is articulated. A release mechanism is provided to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. A thumb release rod is positioned within a thumb portion and connected to the release mechanism. The articulating of the finger section releasably locks the flexible artificial tendon in the articulated position, which is releasable through relaxing of the thumb portion.