Reacher Gripper Device

About

For individuals with reduced strength in their hands or wrists– such as patients with arthritis-, lifting objects at a distance can present a challenge. At the moment, assistive devices are available to help patients reach items from afar, however, current devices can adversely add strain on the user’s wrist and hands during operation. To address and solve this problem, researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have developed a Reacher Gripper Device that utilizes a one touch, motorized operation to drive a pair of claws, accompanied by a forearm and wrist support to avoid added strain on the user. The novel device has the ability to apply a variable force to the object intended to be grabbed by utilizing a microcontroller to monitor the current draw of the motor. Based on this feedback, the microcontroller can stop the motor when the object has been grabbed with proper force. Worm gear actuation prevents the claws from being forced open while they are clamped around an object. This Reacher Gripper Device also utilizes a rotation mechanism that allows for the claws to be rotated, with only one hand, from horizontal to vertical orientations and vice versa. Key Features Novel device to help individuals grab items at distance One touch operation Variable clamping force Self-locking claws Continuous application of force One-handed claw reorientation Forearm and wrist support