Inversed V-Shaped Biasing Devices for Gripping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-wearable devices for enhancing gripping force are often bulky, electrically actuated, and not suited for constant object handling, as they either complicate hand movement or inhibit freedom of movement, and fail to address finger movement one phalanx at a time effectively.
Innovation Solution
A glove-like apparatus with inversed V-shaped biasing devices, such as torsional springs, that are spatially distributed across the hand's joints to maintain a closed position by default, requiring minimal effort to grip objects and force to open, with a hand support and glove layers for comfort and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If active grasp-assisting devices with energy sources and command controls are used, then gripping force is enhanced, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes energy sources and command controls from the glove apparatus, extracting the complex electrical subsystems that caused reliability issues. The invention achieves gripping assistance through purely mechanical biasing devices (springs) that require no external power or control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining force enhancement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing devices are designed to automatically provide gripping force without external control. The springs self-actuate based on hand movement, providing assistance during opening and closing phases without requiring commands or energy input, thus eliminating complex control systems while maintaining force enhancement.
2Strength
If bulky apparatus parts are placed in the palm or inner surface of fingers, then structural support is provided, but freedom of movement is inhibited and object grabbing is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the apparatus into multiple independent biasing devices, each assigned to specific fingers or thumb. This segmentation allows each component to be small and localized, providing structural support only where needed without creating bulky masses in the palm that would impede movement or object handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing devices are positioned locally at specific joints and phalanges rather than distributing bulk material throughout the palm. Each spring is placed precisely where mechanical assistance is needed, providing localized structural support that does not interfere with overall hand freedom of movement or object grabbing capability.
3Ease of operation
If apparatuses are designed to assist movement with minimal effort, then ease of operation is improved, but suitability for constant object handling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the biasing devices to dynamically adapt to different hand positions and gripping tasks. The springs automatically adjust their force application based on the phase of hand movement (opening or closing) and the specific fingers involved, enabling both effortless operation and adaptability for constant object handling across various scenarios.
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
Enables effortless gripping and holding of objects with reduced user effort, as the biasing devices provide a pre-loaded torque to flex fingers and maintain a closed hand position, while allowing for controlled opening, thus addressing the limitations of existing devices in object handling and movement freedom.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing devices comprise torsional springs
Implementation Method 2
biasing devices, each one of the biasing devices substantially having an inversed V shape formed by a hinge, a distal end and a proximal end
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an apparatus for installation on a hand having a thumb and opposable fingers, both having joints and phalanges. The apparatus comprises biasing devices. Each one of the biasing devices substantially has an inversed V shape formed by a hinge, a distal end and a proximal end. The biasing devices are connected together to form the apparatus. The hinges of the biasing devices are spatially distributed so that each hinge covers a corresponding one of the joints and biases the distal end and proximal end toward each other. The apparatus keeps the hand in a substantially closed position to assist in gripping objects.