Y-Shaped Key Handle for Limited Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited manual dexterity face difficulties in grasping, inserting, and turning ordinary keys due to the unique properties of keys requiring more than just increased size or gripability for full functionality.
Innovation Solution
A Y-shaped handle, potentially made from antler or curved wood, is attached to a key, providing geometric and structural support for picking up, inserting, and rotating the key, with a lanyard for wrist retention to maintain the device even if the grip is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a larger or longer handle is attached to the key, then the grasping surface area is increased, but the ability to turn the key once inserted into the lock remains unaffected
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into two distinct functional portions: a first portion that provides increased grasping surface area for easy acquisition, and a second portion that extends beyond the first to provide leverage for turning the key. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in one aspect of key operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle extends in multiple dimensions - the first portion provides lateral extension for grip, while the second portion provides longitudinal extension beyond the grip area. This multi-dimensional configuration enables both grasping and turning functions to be achieved simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is made larger to improve grip, then manual dexterity requirements are reduced, but the device becomes more difficult to pick up from a flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates curved surfaces and rounded contours that facilitate easy pickup from flat surfaces. The curvature allows the device to be easily grasped and lifted, reducing the effort required to acquire the device while maintaining the enlarged grip surface area.
3Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to keep the device on the wrist, then the device is retained even if grip is lost, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retention mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's wrist and the key device. This intermediate component provides security and reliability by preventing device loss while maintaining relatively simple integration with the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device attachable to a key that allows an individual with limited dexterity to handle the key and use it according to its ordinary function. The device provides a Y-shaped handle, such as that structured by a section of antler, that attaches to a key and provides each of the geometric and structural requirements necessary for the user to pick up the key from a flat surface, insert the key into a lock or switch aperture, and turn the key once inserted. The Y-shaped component is curved across its height dimension and provides a yoke engagement structure to permit holding the device with key to exert a force sufficient to insert the key into a lock or switch, and by a combination of forces exerted by the palm or back of the hand and the thumb, to rotate the key/device combination in order to activate the lock or switch.