Reach Extending Tool With Adjustable Elbow Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional reach extending tools have a fixed length and angle, making them inefficient for tasks that require adjustable reach, such as self-care activities like reaching one's back or using accessories like back scratchers, massagers, and lotion applicators.
Innovation Solution
A reach extending tool system with a body section comprising two sections joined at an elbow joint, allowing adjustable angle and length configuration, featuring a fixed and moveable grasping extension with parallel pads and a trigger-operated mechanism for accessory integration, enabling users to customize the tool for various tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length and fixed angle configuration is used in reach extending tools, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The body of the reach extending tool is divided into two sections (first section and second section) that can be independently positioned relative to each other through the elbow joint, allowing the tool to be segmented into adjustable segments for different reach configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The elbow joint introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static body structure, allowing the angle between sections to be changed during use to adapt to different task requirements while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If a fixed angle between grasping end and handle end is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation for self-care tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow joint mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the angle between the first and second sections, allowing users to optimize the tool's configuration for specific self-care tasks such as reaching the back, while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows change in the geometric parameter (angle) between body sections through the elbow joint, enabling optimization of reach and manipulation angles for different operational scenarios without fundamentally changing the tool's structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grasping mechanism operates with fixed geometry, then the mechanical simplicity is maintained, but the versatility for different accessory uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping mechanism is designed to universally accommodate various accessories (back scratchers, massagers, lotion applicators) in addition to its primary function of grasping objects, making the tool multi-functional without requiring separate specialized tools
Data Source
AI summary
A reach extending tool includes a grasping section at one end of a tubular body opposite a handle end of the reach extending tool. The grasping section includes a pair of grasping extensions that can be used to grasp and object, including any one of several accessories that are configured to mechanically interface with the grasping extensions. The length between the handle and the grasping section can by adjusted by partially folding the body at an elbow joint.