Telescoping Pickup Tube With Locking Jaws for Limited Hand Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-operated devices for grasping and manipulating objects are often of fixed length, require large hand movements for small objects, and need constant pressure to maintain a grasp, making them inconvenient for individuals with limited physical ability or for reaching objects out of normal reach.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length device with a telescoping tube region, a toothed rod locking mechanism, and a trigger mechanism that allows the jaw members to move towards each other upon trigger activation, enabling flexible grasping and locking of objects with reduced hand movement and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length device is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different reaching distances is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be extended or retracted independently. Each segment contains a toothed rod with locking mechanisms, allowing the tube to be adjusted to different lengths. This segmentation enables the device to adapt to various reaching distances while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The telescoping mechanism with toothed rods and locking mechanisms allows the tube length to be changed based on the user's needs, providing adaptability to different reaching distances while keeping the base structure simple.
2Ease of operation
If a direct correspondence between trigger movement and jaw movement is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation for persons with limited hand movement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A cable is introduced as an intermediary between the trigger and the jaw actuating mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, it moves the cable, which in turn actuates the jaws through a cable-driven system. This intermediary allows for a mechanical advantage that amplifies small trigger movements into larger jaw movements, making the device easier to operate for persons with limited hand mobility while adding only moderate complexity to the control mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If constant pressure is required to maintain a grasp, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation for persons with limited physical ability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded locking mechanism is implemented that automatically maintains the grasping force without requiring continuous user input. When the trigger is pulled to close the jaws, the mechanism engages a locking feature that holds the jaws in position using spring force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for constant pressure application by the user, making the device accessible to persons with limited physical ability while adding moderate complexity to the control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides hand operated portable adjustable length devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use.