Parallel Gripping Surface via Segmented Leg Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices lack a parallel gripping surface in their closed state, and achieving one often requires complex mechanical designs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first leg divided into two parts connected by a rotary joint, allowing the gripping surfaces to align parallel in the closed state, and a compression spring for automatic opening, using minimal materials for cost-effectiveness and high gripping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a parallel gripping surface is provided in the closed state, then gripping precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first leg is divided into a first part and a second part that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the gripping surfaces to be aligned parallel to each other in the closed state through the relative movement of the two parts, without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms. The division enables independent positioning of the gripping surfaces while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the first leg is made movable relative to the second part along a rotation axis. This dynamic configuration allows the gripping surfaces to automatically align parallel to each other when the device is in the closed state, eliminating the need for complex fixed mechanical structures. The movement capability provides adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If minimal material is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second part of the first leg is designed with varying cross-sectional dimensions, having a larger diameter in the area of the rotation axis and a smaller diameter at the opposite ends. This local quality variation optimizes material distribution: more material is placed where structural strength is needed (near the rotation axis), while less material is used where strength requirements are lower, achieving both cost-effectiveness and adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials with complementary properties: the legs are made of spring steel for flexibility and strength, while the gripping surfaces are made of hardened steel for durability and wear resistance. This composite material approach allows minimal overall material usage while maintaining high gripping force capacity and durability at critical contact points.
3Ease of operation
If a compression spring is added, then automatic opening function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is integrated into the structure to provide automatic opening functionality. The spring is positioned between the first part and second part of the first leg, and automatically pushes the parts apart to open the device after gripping. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual opening operations while adding minimal complexity, as the spring is incorporated into the existing structural framework.
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 simple, cost-effective production of a device with parallel gripping surfaces that can handle high forces with minimal material usage and stable durability, suitable for applications like tweezers in body care.
Implementation Method 1
A spring element is arranged between the top of the second region of the second part of the first leg and the bottom of the first part of the first leg, which is designed and set up to provide a spring force for spacing the first part and the second part of the first leg from one another
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for gripping an object, comprising a first (3) and a second leg (5) which are connected to each other at a first end (7) of the device at a first opening angle and which form a gripping area at a second end (15) of the device opposite the first end, in order to enable the gripping of an object at the second end (15) by means of a mechanical pressure of a user's finger on the legs (3, 5) of the device, wherein the first leg (3) is formed in multiple parts, wherein a first part (17) of the first leg is connected to a second part (19) of the first leg by means of a pivot joint (21), so that in the closed state of the device parallel gripping surfaces of the first and second legs are formed in the gripping area.