Flexible Strap with Dual Hooks for Object Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly or handicapped individuals face difficulties in reaching objects due to limited mobility and strength, and healthy individuals struggle with carrying heavy bags that cause strain on their hands and arms, especially when trying to retrieve items from the floor or ground without stooping or bending.
Innovation Solution
A strap with flexible material and rigid, U-shaped hooks at both ends, made of plastic or metal, designed to allow for safe and practical retrieval and carrying of objects without straining, featuring a textured surface for grip and adjustable length to accommodate different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid hook shaped components are added to the strap ends, then the ability to retrieve objects and carry bags is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated strap structure. The flexible strap body integrates with rigid hook-shaped components at both ends, creating a unified device that can both retrieve objects (using one hook) and carry bags (using both hooks). This merging approach improves operational ease while controlling complexity by avoiding separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed with universal applicability through its dual-hook configuration. The same strap structure can retrieve objects from the floor using one hook, or carry shopping bags, grocery bags, or packages using both hooks. This multi-functionality addresses the technical contradiction by enabling diverse operations with a single device, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Strength
If the strap is made with rigid hook components, then the strength to carry heavy bags is improved, but the flexibility of the strap is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different material properties in different parts of the device. The central strap portion is made of flexible material (such as rubber, leather, or fabric) to maintain comfort and adaptability, while the end portions feature rigid hook-shaped components (made of metal or rigid plastic) to provide the necessary strength for carrying heavy loads and retrieving objects. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap represents a composite structure combining flexible material for the strap body with rigid material for the hook components. This composite approach allows the device to exhibit both flexibility (from the strap material) and strength (from the rigid hooks), resolving the technical contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties in a unified structure.
3Reliability
If the hooks are made of rigid plastic or metal, then the reliability of object retrieval is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct components: the flexible strap body and the separate rigid hook-shaped components. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using appropriate processes (molding for hooks, fabricating for strap), then assembled together. This approach improves reliability by ensuring each component can be optimized for its specific function while managing manufacturing complexity through modular production and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A strap with retrieving components includes an elongated strip of flexible material having a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis there through. The retrieving components are secured at opposite ends of the central portion of flexible material and comprise first and second rigid, hook shaped components, each secured at opposite ends of the central portion of flexible material so that the first and second hooked shaped components are disposed in a plane through the central portion of the strip of flexible material. Each of the first and second hook shaped components are curved in opposite directions from the longitudinal axis so that a free end of the first hooked shaped component extends in an opposite direction from a free end of the second hooked shaped component.