Spherical Gripping Mechanism for Joint-Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports equipment limits spatial movement and causes joint strain due to rigid gripping devices, leading to non-physiological movement sequences and potential damage during training.
Innovation Solution
The use of spherical gripping elements that allow for force transmission without thumb involvement, enabling movements in all three spatial dimensions with reduced weight resistance and minimal strain on joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid gripping devices are used for force transmission, then structural stability is improved, but spatial freedom of movement is limited and joint strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid gripping devices with a dynamic spherical gripping element that can adapt its orientation and position in space. The sphere is connected to the force transmission element through a pivotable connection, allowing the gripping device to dynamically adjust to different movement directions and planes while maintaining stable force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is divided into separate functional components: the spherical gripping element, the pivotable connection, and the force transmission element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the sphere provides spatial adaptability, the pivotable connection enables orientation changes, and the force transmission element maintains structural stability.
2Power
If rigid gripping devices are used, then force transmission efficiency is improved, but joint stress and muscle strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical gripping element with pivotable connection allows the force transmission path to adapt dynamically to the physiological movement patterns of the user. This eliminates the need for forced gripping positions that cause joint stress, while the direct spherical connection to the force transmission element maintains high force transmission efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed spatial plane movements are enforced, then training precision is improved, but physiological correctness of movement sequences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical gripping element enables movement in all spatial directions rather than constraining motion to a fixed plane. This dynamic freedom allows users to perform physiologically correct movement sequences while the resistance force is always transmitted accurately through the spherical connection, maintaining training precision regardless of movement direction.
4Reliability
If hook grip is required for actuation, then gripping security is improved, but hand and wrist strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical gripping element naturally fits into the palm of the hand, distributing contact forces across the palm surface rather than concentrating them on the fingers and wrist. This spherical geometry provides secure gripping through surface contact area while eliminating the need for forceful hook grip, thereby reducing hand and wrist strain.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sports equipment as well as to a piece of sports equipment for training the human musculature. Said device comprises a gripping mechanism which can be movably mounted on a force transmission section of the piece of sports equipment in order for the muscle power to be transmitted to the piece of sports equipment. The disclosed device is characterized in that the gripping mechanism (2) is designed as a substantially spherical part (3, 3a) which can be gripped by the palm and fingers of an athlete without using the thumb.