Nordic Walking Pole Grip With Thumb Channel and Palm Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Nordic walking pole designs cause discomfort and pain for users with hand or wrist conditions due to the requirement of a firm grip and wrist strap, leading to increased strain and risk of injury, particularly affecting the ulnar collateral ligament.
Innovation Solution
A novel ergonomic handle design featuring contoured thumb channels for a natural thumb position, a curved support ledge for the ulnar area of the hand and wrist, and a strapless construction to reduce strain and improve balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional Nordic walking pole handle design is used, then the pole provides support and stability for walking, but it causes discomfort and pain for users with hand or wrist conditions due to the requirement of a firm grip
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a thumb channel for thumb placement, a palm cradle for palm support, and finger grooves for finger positioning. This segmentation allows each part of the hand to rest in its own designated area, eliminating the need for a unified firm grip while maintaining pole control and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the handle are designed with specific local qualities tailored to anatomical needs. The thumb channel provides a confined space for thumb placement, the palm cradle offers a curved supportive surface for the palm, and the finger grooves create specific contact points for fingers. This local customization of handle geometry optimizes comfort for users with hand or wrist conditions.
2Reliability
If a wrist strap is used to secure the pole, then the pole remains firmly in place during use, but it increases strain on the wrist and risk of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the wrist strap component from the pole system. Instead of using a strap that wraps around the wrist and applies constraining force, the design relies on the ergonomic handle geometry itself to secure the hand in a comfortable, strain-free position, thereby removing the source of wrist strain and ulnar collateral ligament injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design is self-sufficient in securing the user's hand without requiring additional straps or external fastening mechanisms. The contoured geometry of the handle, with its thumb channel, palm cradle, and finger grooves, naturally guides and holds the hand in place through passive anatomical fitting, eliminating the need for wrist straps that cause strain.
3Ease of operation
If the thumb is positioned in extension and abduction as in traditional handles, then the thumb can engage the handle, but it creates an unnatural position that increases strain on the thumb joint
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb channel is designed with a curved, contoured geometry that follows the natural arc of the thumb when positioned vertically. This curved pathway guides the thumb into an anatomically correct vertical orientation, allowing engagement with the handle while maintaining a natural joint position that minimizes strain on the thumb joint.
4Reliability
If a firm fist grip is required to use the pole, then the pole can be controlled effectively, but it causes pain for users with hand or wrist conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a thumb channel for thumb placement, a palm cradle for palm support, and finger grooves for finger positioning. This segmentation allows each part of the hand to rest in its own designated area, eliminating the need for a unified firm grip while maintaining pole control and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design is self-sufficient in securing the user's hand without requiring additional straps or external fastening mechanisms. The contoured geometry of the handle, with its thumb channel, palm cradle, and finger grooves, naturally guides and holds the hand in place through passive anatomical fitting, eliminating the need for wrist straps that cause strain.
Data Source
AI summary
This novel, strapless hand grip is intended to be used with a Nordic walking pole or other walking stick to reduce hand, wrist, or other musculoskeletal strain. This invention is a hand grip in a largely cylindrical design with two thumb channels at the top of the hand grip, which provides a more natural position for the thumb. The two thumb position channels allow the user to choose between a grasp or pinch position. This invention has a curved platform extending from the lower section of the hand grip, which provides a cradle for the ulnar side of the user's hand. This cradle supports the hand and/or wrist and may reduce pressure on the trapeziometacarpal and radiocarpal joints by keeping the wrist in a neutral position. By incorporating the thumb channels and platform, a wrist strap is not a required component, further reducing possible stress and pain points.