
Lightweight Electric Grabber
Our young client has progressive muscular dystrophy and is currently losing mobility and strength in his hands. Retrieving dropped items such as the TV remote control, mobile phone and toys whilst using his wheelchair is a big problem.
The Challenge
During the assessment home visit, three possible options were discussed. First, using commercially available grabbers. However, these require excessive strength and force needs to be maintained while moving the object within reach. Second, utilising previous REMAP solutions, such as remap.org.uk/solutions/electric-grabber1 and remap.org.uk/solutions/electric-grabber-2. However, both use commercial grabber jaws that are no longer available. Third, using a machined aluminium claw and motor assembly based on the original grabber jaw developed by York panel volunteer Christopher Rees. However, this appliance required significant resources and was labour intensive.
The final solution used some key points from the earlier solutions and involved modifying a commercial lightweight manual grabber and adding a linear motor assembly, electrics, and a battery.
The solution
The initial prototype used a 3-position trigger toggle switch (pull to grab, push to release) as in earlier solutions. The client found it difficult to push the switch to release so it was decided to use a 2-position trigger switch to ‘activate’ and add a mode switch to select either ‘grab’ or ‘release’. This approach also supports the addition of a push button activate switch near the pincers – this enables the client to grab or release a nearby object without needing to operate the trigger switch at the handle (which is beyond the client’s reach). The toggle switch levers were made more robust (against drops) and easier to use by extending with several layers of heat-shrink sleeving.
The pincers used in this solution are lighter than the equivalents in earlier solutions, thus reducing the torque at the handle and benefiting our client. The pincer also includes a small magnet which is convenient for light metallic objects.
A high-power PP3 battery (Duracell Plus) is required. In common with CE requirements, a tool is required to open the battery compartment (a small cross-head screwdriver is supplied).
Instructions for use and Velcro strips to transport the grabber on a wheelchair were also supplied.
The York panel has decided to reproduce this successful aid and use it for demonstrations during talks and visits to local multi-agency medical groups, conferences, and support care groups such as The Parkinson’s Society.
The benefit
Following training, this device has enabled our young client to grab, retrieve and move objects independently and lessen his reliance for help on family members.
Lightweight Electric Grabber – Instructions for Use
This grabber is designed to be easy to use and require little hand and finger strength to operate.
The grabber is activated by pulling a ‘trigger’ switch near the handle or pressing down a push button near the pincers. There are two modes – ‘grab’ where the pincers close; and ‘release’ where the pincers open. The mode is selected by a switch on the top of the handle. The pincers hold firm at their resting position, i.e. do not need the activating trigger or push button to be held.
Set to Grab
Set to release
Push button activator
Objects can be brought closer, further away or moved elsewhere by use of the trigger, push button and mode switch.
When grabbing, set the mode switch to ‘grab’ and operate the trigger or push button until the motor sound has slowed or the object is firmly gripped.
When releasing, set the mode switch to ‘release’ and operate the trigger or push button until the object is loose or the pincers are open. Do not continue to release after the pincers are fully open.
A small magnet on the pincers can be used to pick up lightweight magnetic objects.
The grabber is powered by a PP3 battery. ‘High’ power batteries (e.g. Duracell Plus) operate faster and have a firmer grip. When the battery power is low the grip becomes weaker and slower. A miniature crosshead screwdriver is needed to open and close the battery compartment to replace the battery.
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Keep the grabber dry. |
It is difficult to judge how well an object is gripped. Be aware that objects may be dropped – ensure that this cannot cause damage or injury. | |
Do not continue to release after the pincers are fully open. |
For support, contact https://remap.org.uk/branches/york
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