Spherical Grip Device for Handheld Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for handheld instruments fail to position the joints of the hand in optimal alignment, leading to increased stress and strain on the intrinsic muscles, resulting in fatigue and cramping, and do not place the center of mass of the instrument close to the wrist joint, thereby increasing torque and muscle workload.
Innovation Solution
A grip device featuring a substantially spherical body with an offset hole for the handle and exterior surfaces for the thumb, fingers, and palm, positioning the hand in neutral alignment and placing the instrument close to the wrist joint, reducing muscle effort and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional gripping devices are used, then the handheld instrument can be held, but the joints of the hand are not positioned in optimal alignment, increasing stress and strain on intrinsic muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The grip device incorporates specifically shaped receptacles and surfaces that provide localized support for different hand parts (thumb, fingers, palm) to achieve optimal joint alignment. The spherical body with offset hole creates specific geometric constraints that position the hand in neutral alignment, reducing stress on intrinsic muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip device uses a substantially spherical body that conforms to the natural curvature of the hand, allowing the hand to assume a neutral position. This spherical geometry enables proper alignment of finger joints and wrist while distributing contact forces evenly across the hand surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional gripping devices are used, then the handheld instrument can be held, but the center of mass is not positioned close to the wrist joint, increasing torque and muscle workload
Solution Approach 1:
The grip device features an asymmetric design with an offset hole positioned toward the front of the spherical body rather than at the center. This asymmetric configuration shifts the center of mass of the handheld instrument closer to the wrist joint, reducing the moment arm and thereby decreasing torque and muscle workload during operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the hand is positioned in neutral alignment, then muscle fatigue is decreased, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The grip device integrates multiple functions into a single simple structure: it provides joint alignment support, positions the center of mass optimally, and distributes contact forces. The spherical body with offset hole serves as both a structural constraint and a positioning mechanism, achieving muscle fatigue reduction without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus may be provided for gripping a handheld instrument. A spherical body may be configured to support at least a portion of the handheld instrument. A working portion of the handheld instrument may be oriented below a body of the gripping device. A top opening may be provided at a top of the gripping device, wherein the top opening may be configured to receive a portion of the handheld instrument. A bottom opening at the bottom of the gripping device may be provided, wherein the bottom opening may be configured to receive a portion of the handheld instrument. A convex surface may receive a palmar surface of a user's fingers, thumb, and/or hand.