Strap Apparatus with Stiffening Member for Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carrying objects with handles can be painful and lead to fatigue, especially for individuals with arthritis or weakness, as it concentrates weight on the fingers, limiting hand mobility for other activities.
Innovation Solution
A strap apparatus with a stiffening member, such as a tube or rod, that distributes the weight of an object from the fingers to the wrist and forearm, allowing the hand to remain in a natural position and enabling control of the object while reducing finger strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an object is carried by hand using the fingers to grasp the handle, then the object can be controlled and held, but the weight concentrates on the fingers causing pain and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a strap as an intermediary device between the object handle and the user's hand. The strap is looped around the handle and passes through the user's hand, transferring the load from the fingers to the palm and wrist area. This mediator distributes the weight over a larger surface area and stronger anatomical structures, resolving the contradiction between maintaining control and reducing finger fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of force distribution by transitioning from a point contact (fingers grasping the handle) to a surface contact (palm and wrist supporting the strap). The strap creates a new dimensional plane for load bearing, spreading the weight across the dorsal surface of the hand and wrist rather than concentrating it on the fingers, thereby reducing pain and fatigue.
2Productivity
If the hand is used to carry an object, then the object can be transported, but the hand cannot perform other activities such as opening doors or pressing buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the carrying function from the gripping function. The strap handles the weight-bearing aspect of carrying, while the fingers remain free for manipulative tasks. The strap is configured to pass through the hand in a way that secures the object without requiring the fingers to maintain their grip, allowing the hand to be simultaneously occupied for carrying and available for other activities.
3Productivity
If individuals with arthritis or weakness carry objects by hand, then they can transport objects, but it becomes painful and potentially infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
For users with arthritis or weakness, the strap serves as a crucial intermediary that eliminates the need for finger gripping altogether. The strap is positioned to bear the load on the palm and wrist, which are typically stronger and less affected by hand-related conditions. This mediator allows individuals with hand disabilities to carry objects painlessly and feasibly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of force application by redistributing the weight load from the vulnerable finger joints to the more robust wrist and forearm structures. This parameter change in load distribution transforms an infeasible task for individuals with arthritis into a manageable activity, reducing pain and enabling continued productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for assisting in the carrying of an object having a handle are disclosed. The apparatus is in one embodiment a strap formed into a loop with a reinforcing member attached to a portion of the loop so as to create a rigid portion of the strap. The loop is passed through the handle of the object to be carried, with the rigid portion on the side of the handle away from the user. The user's hand is passed through the loop on the side facing the user and the user lets the weight of the object pull the loop onto the back of the user's wrist. The user can control the object by rotating the hand with minimal pressure by the fingers on the rigid portion of the loop.