Telescoping Pickup Tube with Trigger-Latched Grasping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-operated devices for grasping and manipulating objects are often of fixed length, requiring large hand movements for small objects and constant pressure to maintain a grasp, which can be inconvenient, especially for individuals with limited physical ability.
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, enabling easier grasping of objects of varying sizes and allowing for optional latching to maintain a grip without constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to objects of different sizes and requires large hand movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a telescoping tube mechanism that allows the tube to extend and retract, transforming the fixed-length structure into a dynamic, adjustable-length structure. This enables the device to adapt to objects of varying sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of sliding and locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing independent adjustment of each segment. This segmentation enables flexible length adjustment to accommodate different object sizes while keeping each individual segment structurally simple.
2Ease of operation
If a direct correspondence between trigger movement and jaw movement is used, then the device structure is simple, but large hand movements are required to grasp small objects
Solution Approach 1:
A toothed rod locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the trigger and the jaw members. When the trigger is activated, it engages the toothed rod, which then translates the small trigger movement into a magnified jaw movement through the locking and release mechanism, reducing the hand movement required while adding controlled complexity to the system.
3Ease of operation
If constant pressure is required to maintain a grasp, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to maintain for individuals with limited physical ability
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed rod locking mechanism transitions from a static constant-pressure system to a dynamic locking system. Once the trigger engages the toothed rod and closes the jaws, the locking mechanism maintains the grasp without requiring continuous trigger pressure, enabling individuals with limited physical ability to maintain grasps easily while accepting the added mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length device for grasping and manipulation of objects comprising a head region with opposing jaws joined to a handle region via a telescoping tube region. The tube region comprises a toothed rod connected to the jaws and a cable connected at one end to a trigger in the handle region and at the other end via a lever to a toothed rod locking mechanism (TRLM). The lever comprises one or more teeth that can mate with those of the toothed rod. Squeezing the trigger causes the lever in the TRLM to engage with the toothed rod and releasing the trigger causes the lever to disengage.