Telescoping Rod Grasping Mechanism with Lockable Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for transferring rotational or linear movement do not allow for collapse into smaller sections, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in applications such as safely extracting snakes or handling objects at extended distances without external hoses or hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping rod system with lockable sections and a grasping portion that can move from an ungrasped to a grasped position, integrated with a handling portion, allowing for adjustable length and secure object gripping without external assistance, using friction couplers, elastic materials, and movable bands or loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a straight shaft mechanism is used to transfer movement, then the structure is simple, but it cannot collapse into smaller sections
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing the mechanism to collapse into smaller sections while maintaining structural integrity. Each section contains friction couplers that enable independent movement and locking
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping sections are nested within each other, with inner sections sliding inside outer sections. This nesting arrangement allows the entire rod to collapse to a fraction of its extended length while maintaining a compact form factor
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grasping portion is fixed, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to different object sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping portion is designed as a movable band or loop that can dynamically adjust its position and circumference. The band can be tightened or loosened by moving it along the telescoping rod, allowing adaptation to objects of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping portion utilizes a flexible band or loop structure that can conform to different object geometries. This flexible element can be tightened around objects of various sizes by moving it along the rod, providing adaptive grasping capability
3Force
If external hoses or hydraulic systems are used, then the grasping force is strong, but the system becomes complex and requires external aids
Solution Approach 1:
The friction couplers and elastic materials within the telescoping sections work together to generate and maintain grasping force without external assistance. The system uses its own structural components (friction surfaces, elastic bands) to create the necessary force, eliminating the need for external hoses or hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems with a purely mechanical solution based on friction coupling and elastic energy storage. The friction couplers transmit force through contact surfaces, while elastic materials provide the necessary tension and recovery force for grasping
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 safe and efficient extraction of objects like snakes over extended distances without external aids, collapsing for compact storage, and can be used in various applications like shooting sticks and fruit harvesting, providing a single tool for multiple functions.
Implementation Method 1
various telescoping mechanisms to transfer rotational or linear movement from one end to the other
Implementation Method 2
the movable portion comprises at least one of a spring and an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A system for grasping an object comprises a telescoping rod comprising a plurality of telescoping sections slidably connected to and lockable relative to each other, a handling portion located at one end of the telescoping rod, and a grasping portion located at an opposite end of the telescoping rod, the grasping portion comprising a movable portion having an ungrasped position and a grasped position, wherein the grasping portion is connected to the handling portion and the handling portion is configured to move the movable portion of the grasping portion from the ungrasped position to the grasped position.