Twistable Grip Aid for Adapting to Different Instrument Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip aids are designed for specific shapes of hand instruments, limiting their versatility and adaptability to different types of handles.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held grip aid device featuring a rotatable drive shaft and electric motor unit that adjusts the grip via a flexible tubular lining, allowing it to accommodate various handle shapes through a twistable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grip aids are designed for specific shapes of hand instruments, then the gripping function is optimized for that specific shape, but the adaptability to different handle shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grip aid incorporates a rotatable drive shaft that can dynamically adjust the orientation of the gripping element to match different handle shapes. The electric motor unit enables the gripping mechanism to rotate and reposition itself, transforming a static grip structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various instrument geometries while maintaining reliable contact
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions within a single gripping mechanism: the electric motor provides rotational adjustment, the drive shaft transmits torque to reposition the gripping element, and the gripping element itself can orient in multiple directions. This multi-functional design allows one device to effectively handle various handle shapes that would traditionally require multiple specialized tools
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible and twistable mechanism is added to accommodate various handle shapes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing, creating a nested structure where the rotating component is contained within the stationary housing. The electric motor unit is positioned within the same housing space, efficiently utilizing the internal volume. This nesting approach allows the flexible adjustment mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor unit, drive shaft, and gripping element into a single integrated assembly within one housing. The motor directly or indirectly connects to the drive shaft, which is connected to the gripping element, merging multiple components into a unified system that reduces overall device complexity compared to separate modular approaches
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 flexible and adaptable gripping of diverse hand instruments by adjusting the grip aid's configuration to fit different handle shapes, enhancing usability for individuals with reduced hand mobility.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor unit positioned within said housing, and indirectly, e.g., through a gear, or directly, adapted to transfer a torque to said drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
the tubular lining is made in one piece. In order for the tubular lining to be flexible and twistable, it should preferably be made from an elastomeric material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hand-held grip aid device for hand instrument manipulation. The grip aid device comprises a housing, a handle, and a holder integrated into the housing and adapted for receiving the handle of a hand instrument. The holder comprises a lumen adapted for being in an open configuration and in a closed configuration, a tubular lining defining at least a part of the lumen, a mechanism adapted for changing the configuration of said lumen from said open configuration to said closed configuration by twisting said tubular lining, preferably around the tubular lining's longitudinal axis.