Retrieving Tool With Foldable Platform And Movable Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retrieval tools are limited in their ability to easily and securely retrieve remote objects, especially when the object and tool need to pass through a narrow passageway, requiring excessive physical effort and lacking versatility.
Innovation Solution
A retrieving tool comprising an elongated shaft with a handle, a movable cord with a greater length than the shaft, and a foldable platform that can be moved toward and away from the shaft's bottom end by the cord, allowing for secure object retrieval and passage through narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pincher type retrieval tool is used, then the tool can grasp objects, but it requires excessive physical effort and cannot easily pass through narrow passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool is divided into separate functional components: a handle, a cord, and a platform. This segmentation allows the platform to be detached and positioned remotely while the handle remains with the operator, enabling passage through narrow spaces where the entire tool cannot fit simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a rigid linear structure to a flexible three-dimensional configuration using the cord as a connector. The cord allows the platform to be positioned in spatial locations inaccessible to rigid tools, enabling retrieval from narrow passageways and elevated positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid retrieval tool is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot maintain various positions for different retrieval scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements including a foldable platform that can transition between open and closed positions, and a cord that can be extended or retracted. These dynamic features enable the tool to adapt to various retrieval scenarios while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to fold upon itself, nesting its components within a compact form when not in use. This nesting capability allows the tool to maintain versatility for different positions while reducing its overall footprint when storage or transport is needed.
3Length of moving object
If the cord length is greater than the shaft length, then the platform can reach farther positions, but the tool becomes more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The cord acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the platform, providing mechanical advantage and control leverage. The cord's flexibility and length allow the operator to control the platform from a distance while maintaining precise control through the cord-tension mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Retrieving tool and method. This includes an elongated shaft having a shaft-length and a shaft-handle joined with a top end of the elongated shaft. Also includes a cord having a cord-length, a cord-handle joined with a first end of the cord, and the cord extending along the elongated shaft and movable relative to the elongated shaft where the cord-length is greater than the shaft-length. A platform is foldable upon itself between opposite platform ends, and the opposite platform ends are joined with a second end of the cord adjacent to a bottom end of the elongated shaft such that the platform is movable toward and away from the bottom end of the elongated shaft by the cord.