Handwriting Assistive Device with Finger Loops for Tripod Grasp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive devices for writing and drawing fail to comfortably and conveniently promote proper grip positioning techniques, often requiring assistance for securement and are difficult to adjust for different writing instruments and user demands, particularly for individuals with upper extremity deficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An assistive device with an elongated body featuring loop positioning parts for the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to form a tripod grasp, with a deformable inner channel and adjustable angles, allowing for secure fit and independent use, accommodating various writing instruments and user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing assistive devices are used to help users grip writing instruments, then users can obtain some grip support, but the devices fail to comfortably and conveniently promote proper grip positioning techniques and require assistance for securement
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to independently secure it to their hand without assistance. The loop positioning parts are designed to be easily inserted and held in place by the user's own fingers, eliminating the need for caregiver assistance during securement while maintaining reliable tripod grasp positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the hand into three separate positioning zones with individual loops for the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. This segmentation allows each finger to be independently positioned and secured, ensuring proper tripod grasp formation while enabling easy independent adjustment by the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing assistive devices are designed to secure fingers in position, then some grip support is provided, but the devices are difficult to adjust to different writing instruments and user demands
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to accommodate various writing instruments (pencils, pens, markers) and different user demands through its universal loop positioning system. The loops can adapt to different finger sizes and writing tool diameters, providing a single device solution that serves multiple functions and user needs without requiring complex adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning loops are designed to be flexible and adaptable rather than rigid and fixed. This dynamic design allows the loops to adjust to different writing instrument diameters and user finger sizes, enabling the device to accommodate various writing instruments and user demands while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If the positioning loops are made secure to maintain tripod grasp, then proper finger positioning is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to put on and take off
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the securement function into three independent loops that can be individually inserted and removed. This segmentation allows users to easily put on and take off the device by simply sliding their fingers through the loops, while once positioned, the loops maintain stable finger positioning for reliable tripod grasp during writing.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive device to promote the development or recovery of writing and drawing capabilities of a user. The device includes an elongated body having an outer surface and an inner channel for insertion of a writing instrument; a first positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which a thumb of a user may be inserted; a second positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which an index finger of a user may be inserted; and a third positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which a middle finger of a user may be inserted, wherein the first, second, and third positioning parts are arranged such that a user's thumb, index finger, and middle finger form a tripod grasp about the elongated body.