Spring-Loaded Object Mover for Limited Hand Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly individuals and those with disabilities face challenges in holding and moving objects due to hand functionality and mobility issues, which limits their participation in everyday tasks and social interactions, particularly in playing board games.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a panel, handle, holder, connector, and spring mechanism that allows users to grasp and move objects without physically manipulating them, featuring a foldable or non-foldable design and various connector types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elderly individuals attempt to manually grasp and move game pieces, then they can participate in board games, but their hand functionality limitations prevent effective manipulation of pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary tool between the user's hand and the game piece. The holder grasps the game piece while the connector transmits force from the user through the spring mechanism, allowing manipulation without direct hand contact with the piece itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the direct manual grasping mechanism with a mechanical system consisting of a holder, connector, and spring mechanism. This mechanical substitution compensates for insufficient hand strength and dexterity while maintaining the ability to move game pieces.
2Ease of operation
If a device is introduced to assist with moving objects, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a holder for grasping the object, a connector for force transmission, and a spring mechanism for force multiplication. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in itself while collectively providing the needed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the force parameter by providing mechanical advantage, allowing a user to exert greater force on the object than would be possible with direct hand manipulation alone, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex active systems.
3Reliability
If the holder firmly grasps the object to enable movement, then the object can be moved reliably, but releasing the object becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism enables periodic action in the grasping system. When the user pulls the connector, the spring compresses and releases the object. When released, the spring returns to its original state, automatically re-grasping the object. This periodic action simplifies the releasing operation while maintaining secure grasping.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically re-grasping the object after release. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring causes it to return to its original configuration,重新 securing the object without requiring additional user action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables independent movement of objects, enhancing participation in board games and daily tasks, fostering social interactions and improving quality of life for elderly and disabled individuals.
Implementation Method 1
The spring device is capable of being pulled back by the connector attached to the holder. The connector is configured to retract and release the spring device to trap and release the object.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device to move an object. The device includes a panel; a handle; a holder; a connector; an opening slot; and a spring device. The handle is placed at a proximal end of the panel. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the handle and the second end is attached to the holder. The opening slot is defined at a distal end of the panel. The spring device is positioned within the opening slot and attached to the holder. The spring device is capable of being pulled back by the connector attached to the holder. The connector is configured to retract and release the spring device to trap and release the object.