Cane Gripper (! WARNING! Totally messed up scale!)

thingiverse

An update on my first Thingiver<|im_start|> project reveals that I now have a 3D printer; however, this particular model no longer works. I plan to fix or redesign it in the future. Initially, I kindly ask for your patience as this is my initial venture into Thingiverse. This design was primarily intended to test the waters of Thingiverse. My son Gaelen and I collaborated on a practical project to enhance my AutoDesk Inventor skills at work. We designed a cane gripper that enables users to pick up objects by transforming a regular walking cane into a versatile tool. People who rely on canes often require an extended reach due to joint mobility issues. Our design involves a blue cable near the handle that can be pulled with the fingers to open the gripper. The tension in the cable retracts the gripper finger (Top Assembly Image). To close the gripper, users simply release the cable, and a spring (not drawn in) contracts, closing the gripper around the object (Bottom Assembly Image). The cane can then be utilized to manipulate the picked-up item. The design consists of clamps that mount onto the cane, with compressing nuts/bolts needed for each mount. Cable guides are also included in the parts list. The cable is secured to the gripper finger and the last cable guide using a knot. The gripper finger attaches to a bracket via a 1/4-20 bolt/nut or another type of pin (which acts as a pivot). This design is still in its draft stage, and improvements are planned, such as incorporating a trigger at the top of the cane to avoid cable-related injuries. It's worth mentioning that the forces involved in this design have not been calculated or optimized yet, which could affect the locations of tie points and the type of elastic or spring needed for the gripper's closure. Despite these unresolved aspects, our design enhances the cane's functionality without compromising its walking capabilities. If anyone has a similar design, please share it with us. Peace!