Variable Friction Grip Pattern for Hand Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand operated tools often suffer from slipping and sliding issues on their grip surfaces, leading to loss of control and hand irritation, with conventional solutions like gloves being inadequate or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A variable friction grip surface with a dot matrix pattern featuring elements of different scales to provide varying friction levels, strategically positioned to optimize grip and comfort based on hand positions during tool use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform high-friction grip surface is used, then slipping is reduced, but hand irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip surface is divided into distinct zones with different friction characteristics: a first region with high-friction elements for stationary hand positions, a second region with low-friction elements for movable hand positions, and a third region with intermediate friction for transitional movements. This local differentiation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function, preventing both slipping and irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip surface is segmented into multiple discrete elements arranged in patterns across different regions. These segmented elements create varied friction zones rather than a uniform surface, enabling the hand to grip securely in some areas while sliding smoothly in others, thus resolving the contradiction between grip stability and comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a uniform low-friction grip surface is used, then hand irritation is reduced, but slipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the grip surface are assigned different friction qualities based on their functional requirements. The first region uses high-friction elements to prevent slipping where the hand needs to remain stationary, while the second region uses low-friction elements where hand movement is desired, thus maintaining both grip stability and comfort in appropriate zones.
3Ease of manufacture
If a smooth grip surface is used, then manufacturing is simple, but grip control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The grip surface incorporates segmented elements with varying sizes and distributions across different regions. While more complex than a completely smooth surface, the segmented pattern can be manufactured using standard molding or machining techniques, providing an acceptable balance between manufacturing ease and improved tool control through localized friction variations.
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
The variable friction grip surface reduces the likelihood of slipping, minimizes hand irritation, and enhances user control and comfort by smoothly transitioning friction levels, accommodating different hand positions and tool types.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of elements defining a first friction level, the first friction level defining a relatively greater amount of friction than both of the second and third pluralities of elements; a second plurality of elements defining a second friction level, the second friction level defining a relatively lesser amount of friction than the first friction level
Data Source
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AI summary
A hand operated tool (100) includes a gripping surface. The gripping surface (130) defines a first plurality of elements (132) situated in at least one first region (131, 133) on the surface, the at least one first region (131, 133) defining a first friction level; a second plurality of elements (134) situated in at least one second region (135) on the surface, the at least one second region defining a second friction level, wherein the second friction level defines a relatively lesser amount of friction than the first friction level; and a third plurality of elements (136) defining a transitional friction level between the first friction level and the second friction level, the third plurality of elements (136) interconnecting each of the at least one first regions (131, 133) with each of the at least one second regions (135).