Tacky Pad Page Turning Device for Finger Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling large volumes of paper, such as book pages or money, require manual effort and can cause finger fatigue, especially in professions like banking and secretarial work, and are inadequate for individuals with finger, hand, or arm limitations.
Innovation Solution
A page turning device with a finger sleeve and a tacky pad on the finger tip, made of flexible materials like thermoplastic elastomers, that engages and lifts paper using a tacky surface, allowing easy turning and disengagement by rotating the finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a finger pad is worn on the finger tip to increase friction between the finger and paper, then the ability to handle paper is improved, but continuous compressive force is still required causing finger fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based paper handling system with an adhesive-based system. The tacky pad material (such as thermoplastic elastomer or putty-like material) uses adhesive properties to capture and hold paper, eliminating the need for continuous compressive force that causes finger fatigue in conventional finger pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of paper engagement from friction-dependent (requiring compression) to adhesive-dependent (tacky surface). By using materials with high tackiness such as thermoplastic elastomers or putty-like materials, the device can hold and turn paper through adhesive capture rather than friction, reducing the operational force required.
2Productivity
If conventional finger pads are used to handle large volumes of paper, then paper handling is enabled, but individuals with finger, hand or arm limitations cannot effectively use them
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive-based mechanism replaces the mechanical friction system, creating a paper handling solution that requires minimal finger strength and dexterity. The tacky pad can capture and hold paper with simple finger placement, making it accessible to individuals with limited finger, hand, or arm functionality who cannot effectively use traditional friction-based finger pads.
3Ease of operation
If friction-based finger pads are used to engage paper, then paper can be held and turned, but continuous compressive force is required increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the engagement parameter from compression-based friction to adhesive-based holding. The tacky pad material (thermoplastic elastomer, putty-like material) captures paper through adhesive properties, eliminating the need for continuous compressive force and simplifying the operational requirements for paper engagement and turning.
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
Reduces finger fatigue and accommodates individuals with dexterity limitations by providing a reliable and efficient method for handling paper products without the need for continuous compressive force, enhancing usability in various work settings.
Implementation Method 1
The pad includes a tacky outer surface configured to capture a paper for movement thereof
Implementation Method 2
a plastic material having a high plasticizer content or a thermoplastic elastomer having a high coefficient of friction such that the outer surface of the pad is tacky
Data Source
AI summary
A page turning device positionable on a finger tip of a wearer includes a finger sleeve of elastomeric material configured to be fitted onto the finger. A pad is affixed to the sleeve or incorporated into the sleeve, and includes a tacky outer surface configured to capture and lift a paper for movement thereof.