Noah Schlais
Rationale
This project was created to aid some of the needs that people with mobility issues possess and for people who are trying to reach very high or low places to grab something. Due to these issues these people may be unable to grab a remote or a glass inside of a cabinet in a high place. This research is important because the cases of lower back injuries and loss of back mobility are all too common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year as well as one in every five workplace injuries are related to back injuries. It’s not just back injuries though, just getting older can cause back related problems that can lead to loss of mobility. Due to these rising numbers this project can help those people that fall victim to these statistics.
RESEARCH QUESTION(S), HYPOTHESIS(ES), ENGINEERING GOAL(S), EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Research Question: How can someone help people with mobility issues and just regular people while still giving them that independence that everyone knows and loves?
Hypothesis: If one uses a grabber tool it will still help regular people reach high and short places just as well as people with mobility problems while still being convenient and easy to use for everyone.
Engineering Goal: To create a convenient and easy to use tool that can aid everyone in reaching things in those hard to reach spots inside of their home.
Expected Outcome: A simple and lightweight grabber than can extend to the needs of the user.
List of Materials
PVC pipe, 3D printed pool spring clip, 3D printed handle and trigger, poly cord, fishing line, and 3D printed grabber jaws.
Procedures
To collect the data the Horse-Shoe grabber will be tested on its ability to grab multiple objects in different conditions. For example, its ability to grab a water bottle in wet conditions to simulate a rainy day. To test its extendability, the grabber will be extended to its maximum and its ability to grab objects at such a distance will be tested. Finally the grabber will be tested on its weight, comfortability, and durability to ensure that any one will be able to use it comfortably and without it breaking.
Risk & Safety
Working with cutting machinery. Must have gloves, glasses, and closed toed shoes.
Data Analysis
To analyze the data I will look at what the object could and could not grab as well as the conditions the grabber was struggling to grab the objects in.
Bibliography
Hendricks, Sara, and Kyle Ankney. “The Best Reacher Grabber Tools of 2024.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 18 July 2024, reviewed.usatoday.com/lifestyle/best-right-now/the-best-reacher-grabbers.
“Fiberglass Pole Claw Grabber: Sewer Debris Grabber: Manhole Tools & Attachments.” Pryor Tools, pryortools.com/products/fiberglass-pole-claw-grabber. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
“32" Foldable Reacher/ Grabber Tool for Seniors.” AskSAMIE, www.asksamie.com/products/32-foldable-reacher-1. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
“Nova Long Reacher, Lightweight Grabber with Wide Gripper, Hook & Magnetic Tip, Rotating Easy Grip Handle.” A, a-zhme.com/products/nova-long-reacher-lightweight-grabber-with-wide-gripper-hook-magnetic-tip-rotating-easy-grip-handle. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
“Rirether Grabber Tool for Elderly, 32" Reacher Grabber with Magnetic T.” Rirether, rirether.com/products/rirether-grabber-tool-for-elderly-32-reacher-grabber-with-magnetic-tip-and-hook-rotating-gripper-claw-grabber-durable-aluminum-alloy-foldable-lightweight-reacher-2-pack-red-and-green. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Back injuries fact sheet. Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk. (n.d.). https://essr.umd.edu/about/occupational-safety-health/ergonomics/back-injuries-fact-sheet#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Bureau%20of,five%20workplace%20injuries%20or%20illnesses.