Navigation auxiliary equipment for blind person

By designing a navigation device that combines a shell with a rotating power source, the problem of existing navigation devices lacking road condition tactile sensation is solved, achieving more efficient road condition detection and enhanced sense of security.

CN120585607APending Publication Date: 2025-09-05CHINA UNIV OF MINING & TECH (BEIJING)
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510974128.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-15
Publication Date
2025-09-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electronic navigation devices lack tactile feedback about road conditions, which causes users to lack a sense of security.

Method used

A navigation assistance device for the blind was designed, including a housing, a rotating power source, a stair climbing component, and a navigation device mounting bracket. The device transmits tactile sensation through the vibration between the housing and the road conditions, and uses the rotating power source to drive the wheels and stair climbing component to adapt to different road conditions.

Benefits of technology

It improves the user's sense of security about the road conditions ahead, can accurately detect and adapt to flat roads and steps, and provide a more efficient navigation experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of blind person assistance, and provides a blind person navigation assisting device which comprises a shell, a first rotating shaft is rotationally installed in the shell, the two ends of the first rotating shaft extend out of the two sides of the shell and are provided with wheels, and one side wall of the shell is open; the rotating power source is fixedly arranged in the shell, and an output shaft of the rotating power source is in power connection with the first rotating shaft; the stair climbing assembly comprises sliding blocks, a second rotating shaft is rotationally installed between the two sliding blocks, a rotating frame is fixedly arranged on the peripheral outer wall of the second rotating shaft, and when the sliding blocks slide into the shell, the second rotating shaft is in power connection with an output shaft of the rotating power source; and the navigation equipment mounting rack is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the shell. The navigation equipment is installed on the shell, a user makes contact with the shell and moves forwards, the shell transmits vibration of the road condition to a user receiving hand in real time, the road condition is better detected in combination with the navigation equipment, and the safety sense of the user is higher; the rotating frame has a step climbing function and is suitable for different road conditions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of blind assistance, and in particular to a navigation assistance device for the blind. Background Art

[0002] When blind people or people with low vision go out, they need to use a cane to find their way. However, they often bump into walls or stumble, which brings many inconveniences to their lives. In the prior art, some electronic navigation devices have been disclosed, such as CN201610412025.1 A navigation system for the blind, CN201910770229.6 A navigation method and a navigation device for the blind, etc.

[0003] The problem is that electronic navigation devices usually rely on cameras to collect road conditions and then broadcast them. Compared with conventional blind sticks, there may be errors and transmission delays. They are also unable to allow users to accurately understand the different road conditions ahead through vibration and touch, and users lack a sense of security. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the defects in the prior art, the present invention provides a navigation assistance device for the blind to solve the technical problem that the navigation devices in the prior art lack tactile detection of road conditions.

[0005] The present invention provides a navigation assistance device for the blind, comprising: a housing, wherein a first rotating shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing, both ends of the first rotating shaft extending out of both sides of the housing and provided with wheels, and a side wall of the housing in the forward direction of the wheels being open; a rotating power source, the rotating power source being fixedly disposed in the housing, the output shaft of the rotating power source being in power connection with the first rotating shaft; The stair climbing assembly includes sliders slidably arranged on the inner walls of the two opposite sides of the housing, the sliding directions of the two sliders pointing to the open side of the housing, a second rotating shaft is rotatably installed between the two sliders, the axis of the second rotating shaft is parallel to the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft extends from the open side of the housing and a rotating frame for climbing over steps is fixed on the outer wall of the second rotating shaft, when the sliders slide into the housing, the second rotating shaft is dynamically connected to the output shaft of the rotary power source; A navigation device mounting frame is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the shell.

[0006] It can be seen from the above technical solution that a navigation device is installed on the shell of the present invention, and the user contacts the shell and moves forward. The shell transmits the vibration of the road conditions to the user's hands in real time. Combined with the navigation device, the road conditions can be better explored, and the user has a stronger sense of security; when the rotating frame hits the step, the second rotating shaft moves backward under the reaction force and connects to the rotating power source. The rotating power source drives the rotating frame to climb the steps, which is suitable for different road conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, two opposite inner walls of the housing are provided with sliding grooves, the slider is slidably located in the sliding grooves, and the sliding grooves are each provided with a first elastic element for pushing the slider to slide in a direction away from the housing; A card slot is provided on the inner side wall of the slide, the card slot is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider, a card block is slidably provided in the card slot, and a second elastic element is provided in the card slot to push the card block to slide in the direction of the slider; A turntable is rotatably mounted on the top surface of the shell, and one end of each of the clamping blocks away from the slider is connected to a cable, and the other end of the cable passes through the shell and is fixed on the turntable.

[0008] The beneficial effect is that when the second rotating shaft moves backward and is connected to the rotary power source, the clamping block extends to clamp the slider to prevent the slider from rebounding, and the rotary power source continuously provides power to the rotating frame.

[0009] Furthermore, a handrail column is included, a hinge seat is fixedly provided on the top surface of the turntable, and one end of the handrail column is hinged to the hinge seat.

[0010] The beneficial effects are: the handrail column is for users to grasp, the hinged seat provides multiple degrees of freedom for the handrail column, and the handrail column has the function of extending the lever arm, which makes it more labor-saving to drive the turntable to rotate.

[0011] Furthermore, an anti-slip groove is provided on one end of the handrail column away from the hinge seat.

[0012] The beneficial effects are: increasing friction and facilitating grip.

[0013] Furthermore, a worm and a first bevel gear are sequentially provided on the output shaft of the rotary power source; A worm gear is fixedly provided on the first rotating shaft, and the worm gear is engaged with the worm; A second bevel gear is fixedly provided on the second rotating shaft. When the sliding block slides into the housing, the second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear.

[0014] The beneficial effect is that the output shaft of the rotary power source can drive the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft to rotate at the same time, so that the device can move forward and climb steps, and has a compact structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotating frame includes more than three arc-shaped plates, which are evenly arranged around the second rotating shaft and fixed to the second rotating shaft. The ends of the arc-shaped plates away from the second rotating shaft are rotatably provided with rollers, and the axes of the rollers are parallel to the second rotating shaft.

[0016] The beneficial effect is that the arc-shaped plate is better overlapped with the step surface when rotating, and the roller rolls to avoid hard friction with the step surface.

[0017] Furthermore, the navigation device mounting frame includes a left box part and a right box part, the left box part is fixedly provided on the top surface of the shell, the side wall of the left box part is fixedly provided with a plurality of first mounting seats, and the side wall of the right box part is fixedly provided with a plurality of second mounting seats, the first mounting seats and the second mounting seats are rotatably connected through a third rotating shaft, a torsion spring is sleeved on the third rotating shaft, and both ends of the torsion spring are fixedly connected to the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat respectively.

[0018] The beneficial effect is that the navigation device is placed in the left box part alone, and the flip cover of the right box part is set on the left box part for protection. When the left box part and the right box part are opened at the same time, a larger navigation device can be placed, which is suitable for different sizes according to needs.

[0019] Furthermore, auxiliary wheels are provided on the outside of the shell.

[0020] The beneficial effect is that it is more convenient to push the shell forward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the specific embodiments or the prior art description. In all the drawings, each element or part is not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the housing of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the chute of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a housing of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a turret of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the navigation equipment mounting bracket of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. First rotating shaft; 3. Wheel; 4. Rotary power source; 5. Slider; 6. Second rotating shaft; 7. Rotating frame; 8. Navigation equipment mounting frame; 9. Slide; 10. First elastic element; 11. Slot; 12. Block; 13. Second elastic element; 14. Turntable; 15. Handrail; 16. Articulated seat; 17. Anti-slip groove; 18. Worm; 19. Worm gear; 20. First bevel gear; 21. Second bevel gear; 22. Auxiliary wheel; 23. Cable 701, curved plate; 702, roller; 801. Left box portion; 802. Right box portion; 803. First mounting seat; 804. Second mounting seat; 805. Third rotating shaft; 806. Torsion spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a navigation assistance device for the blind, comprising: A housing 1, wherein a first rotating shaft 2 is rotatably mounted within the housing 1, with both ends of the first rotating shaft 2 extending out of both sides of the housing 1 and provided with wheels 3, and a side wall of the housing 1 in the direction of travel of the wheels 3 being open; A rotary power source 4, wherein the rotary power source 4 is fixedly disposed in the housing 1, and an output shaft of the rotary power source 4 is in power connection with the first rotating shaft 2; The stair climbing assembly includes sliders 5 slidably arranged on the inner walls of the two opposite sides of the housing 1, the sliding directions of the two sliders 5 pointing to the open side of the housing 1, and a second rotating shaft 6 is rotatably installed between the two sliders 5. The axis of the second rotating shaft 6 is parallel to the first rotating shaft 2. The second rotating shaft 6 extends from the open side of the housing 1 and is fixedly provided with a rotating frame 7 for climbing over steps on the outer wall. When the sliders 5 slide into the housing 1, the second rotating shaft 6 is dynamically connected to the output shaft of the rotary power source 4; The navigation device mounting frame 8 is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the housing 1 .

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, auxiliary wheels 22 are further provided on the outer side of the housing 1 .

[0027] In this embodiment, the user pre-fixes the navigation device on the navigation device mounting bracket 8, and the navigation device performs navigation and road condition broadcasting. The rotating power source 4 drives the first rotating shaft 2, and the first rotating shaft 2 drives the wheel 3 to rotate. The wheel 3 is a driving wheel, and the auxiliary wheel 22 is an auxiliary forward wheel. The housing 1 is located in front of the user to explore the road. Compared with a conventional blind stick, the housing 1 has a larger detection surface and higher detection efficiency. If the housing 1 can pass through a passable area, it proves that there are no obstacles and the road surface is flat. The user maintains physical contact with the housing 1 and fully understands the road conditions ahead through vibration and touch, which makes the user feel more secure. The slider 5 can slide horizontally in the shell 1. In the initial state, the second rotating shaft 6 and the rotating frame 7 extend out of the shell 1. When the rotating frame 7 contacts the step, the reaction force of the step facade pushes the rotating frame 7 and the second rotating shaft 6 to retract into the shell 1. The second rotating shaft 6 is connected to the output shaft of the rotating power source 4. The rotating power source 4 drives the second rotating shaft 6 and the rotating frame 7 to rotate. During the rotation process, the rotating frame 7 contacts the top surface of the step, gradually lifting the shell 1, thereby achieving climbing steps, which is suitable for different road conditions.

[0028] Based on this embodiment, an electrically controlled telescopic rod or cylinder or other components may be installed inside the housing 1 , with the telescopic end of the electrically controlled telescopic rod or cylinder pointing to the open side of the housing 1 and fixed to the slider 5 to push the slider 5 to slide back and forth.

[0029] Example 2 like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, preferably, on the basis of embodiment 1, the housing 1 has two opposite inner walls provided with sliding grooves 9, the slider 5 is slidably located in the sliding grooves 9, and the sliding grooves 9 are each provided with a first elastic element 10 for pushing the slider 5 to slide in a direction away from the housing 1; A card slot 11 is provided on the inner side wall of the slide 9. The card slot 11 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 5. A card block 12 is slidably provided in the card slot 11. A second elastic element 13 is provided in the card slot 11 to push the card block 12 to slide toward the slider 5. A turntable 14 is rotatably mounted on the top surface of the housing 1 . One end of each of the clamping blocks 12 away from the slider 5 is connected to a cable 23 . The other end of the cable 23 passes through the housing 1 and is fixed to the turntable 14 .

[0030] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a handrail column 15 is included, and a hinge seat 16 is fixedly provided on the top surface of the turntable 14 , and one end of the handrail column 15 is hinged to the hinge seat 16 .

[0031] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, an anti-slip groove 17 is provided at one end of the handrail column 15 away from the hinge seat 16 .

[0032] In this embodiment, the user grasps the handrail column 15 and moves forward along with the housing 1. The handrail column 15 can swing around the hinge seat 16, having multiple degrees of freedom, making it more convenient to use. When the rotating frame 7 and the second rotating shaft 6 are pushed to retract into the housing 1, the slider 5 slides into the housing 1 at the same time, the first elastic element 10 is compressed, and the second rotating shaft 6 establishes a power connection with the rotation power source 4; After the slider 5 passes the position of the block 12, the second elastic element 13 is released, and the block 12 pops out into the chute 9, preventing the slider 5 from sliding out of the housing 1 again, so that the second rotating shaft 6 remains in a state of power connection with the rotary power source 4, and the rotary power source 4 drives the rotating frame 7 to climb the steps; After climbing, the user swings the handrail column 15. The handrail column 15 has a long lever arm and can easily drive the turntable 14 to rotate. The turntable 14 drives the cable 23, and the cable 23 pulls the block 12 back into the slot 11. The second elastic element 13 is compressed, the first elastic element 10 is released, and the slider 5 slides toward the outside of the shell 1. The second rotating shaft 6 is disconnected from the power source 4.

[0033] Example 3 like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, on the basis of embodiment 1-2, a worm 18 and a first bevel gear 20 are sequentially provided on the output shaft of the rotary power source 4; A worm gear 19 is fixed on the first rotating shaft 2, and the worm gear 19 is engaged with the worm 18; A second bevel gear 21 is fixedly provided on the second rotating shaft 6 . When the slider 5 slides into the housing 1 , the second bevel gear 21 meshes with the first bevel gear 20 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the rotary power source 4 is perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 2 and the second rotating shaft 6. In the initial state, the worm gear 19 and the worm 18 are always meshed, the rotary power source 4 drives the wheel 3 to move, and the first bevel gear 20 is not meshed with the second bevel gear 21. When the second rotating shaft 6 moves toward the rotating power source 4, the second bevel gear 21 engages with the first bevel gear 20, and the rotating power source 4 drives the first rotating shaft 2 and the second rotating shaft 6 to rotate at the same time, which can not only move forward but also climb steps, and has a compact structure.

[0035] Example 4 like Figure 4 As shown, preferably, on the basis of embodiments 1-3, the rotating frame 7 includes more than three arc-shaped plates 701, the arc-shaped plates 701 are evenly arranged around the second rotating shaft 6 and fixed to the second rotating shaft 6, and the ends of the arc-shaped plates 701 away from the second rotating shaft 6 are rotatably provided with rollers 702, and the axes of the rollers 702 are parallel to the second rotating shaft 6.

[0036] In this embodiment, the arc structure of the arc plate 701 can better overlap with the step surface when rotating, gradually lifting the shell 1. Rollers 702 are provided at the ends of the arc plate 701. The rolling of the rollers 702 avoids hard friction between the arc plate 701 and the step surface, thereby extending the service life.

[0037] Example 5 like Figure 5 As shown, preferably, on the basis of Examples 1-4, the navigation device mounting frame 8 includes a left box portion 801 and a right box portion 802, the left box portion 801 is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the shell 1, a plurality of first mounting seats 803 are fixedly arranged on the side wall of the left box portion 801, and a plurality of second mounting seats 804 are fixedly arranged on the side wall of the right box portion 802, the first mounting seats 803 and the second mounting seats 804 are rotatably connected by a third rotating shaft 805, and a torsion spring 806 is sleeved on the third rotating shaft 805, and both ends of the torsion spring 806 are fixedly connected to the first mounting seat 803 and the second mounting seat 804 respectively.

[0038] In this embodiment, both the left and right box portions 801 and 802 are provided with grooves, allowing a small navigation device to be placed inside the left box portion 801. A torsion spring 806 forces the right box portion 802 to close, causing it to flip around a third rotation axis 805 and be protected by a cover on the left box portion 801. When using a larger navigation device, the left box part 801 and the right box part 802 are opened and flattened to place the larger navigation device. Under the action of the torsion spring 806, the right box part 802 has a tendency to close, and the edges of the left box part 801 and the right box part 802 form a clamping force to clamp the navigation device, which is suitable for different sizes as needed.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and description of the present invention.

Claims

1. A navigation aid for the blind, characterized in that: include: A housing (1), wherein a first rotating shaft (2) is rotatably mounted in the housing (1), both ends of the first rotating shaft (2) extend out of both sides of the housing (1) and are provided with wheels (3), and a side wall of the housing (1) in the forward direction of the wheels (3) is open; A rotating power source (4), the rotating power source (4) is fixedly arranged in the housing (1), and the output shaft of the rotating power source (4) is dynamically connected to the first rotating shaft (2); A stair climbing assembly comprises sliders (5) slidably arranged on the inner walls of two opposite sides of the shell (1), the sliding directions of the two sliders (5) pointing to the open side of the shell (1), a second rotating shaft (6) rotatably installed between the two sliders (5), the axis of the second rotating shaft (6) being parallel to the first rotating shaft (2), the second rotating shaft (6) extending from the open side of the shell (1) and a rotating frame (7) for climbing over steps fixedly provided on the outer wall thereof, and when the sliders (5) slide into the shell (1), the second rotating shaft (6) is dynamically connected to the output shaft of the rotary power source (4); A navigation device mounting frame (8), wherein the navigation device mounting frame (8) is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the housing (1).

2. A navigation aid for the blind according to claim 1, characterized in that: Slide grooves (9) are provided on the inner walls of the two opposite sides of the housing (1), and the slider (5) slides in the slide grooves (9). The slide grooves (9) are each provided with a first elastic element (10) for pushing the slider (5) to slide in a direction away from the housing (1); A card slot (11) is provided on the inner side wall of the slide groove (9), the card slot (11) is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider (5), a card block (12) is slidably provided in the card slot (11), and a second elastic element (13) is provided in the card slot (11) for pushing the card block (12) to slide in the direction of the slider (5); A turntable (14) is rotatably mounted on the top surface of the housing (1), and one end of the clamping block (12) away from the slider (5) is connected to a cable (23), and the other end of the cable (23) passes through the housing (1) and is fixed to the turntable (14).

3. The navigation aid device for the blind according to claim 2, characterized in that: It comprises a handrail column (15), a hinge seat (16) is fixedly provided on the top surface of the turntable (14), and one end of the handrail column (15) is hinged to the hinge seat (16).

4. A navigation aid for the blind according to claim 3, characterized in that: An anti-slip groove (17) is provided at one end of the handrail column (15) away from the hinge seat (16).

5. The navigation assistance device for the blind according to claim 1, characterized in that: A worm (18) and a first bevel gear (20) are sequentially arranged on the output shaft of the rotary power source (4); A worm gear (19) is fixedly provided on the first rotating shaft (2), and the worm gear (19) is meshed with the worm (18); A second bevel gear (21) is fixedly provided on the second rotating shaft (6), and when the slider (5) slides into the housing (1), the second bevel gear (21) meshes with the first bevel gear (20).

6. The navigation assistance device for the blind according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating frame (7) includes more than three arc-shaped plates (701), the arc-shaped plates (701) are evenly arranged around the second rotating shaft (6) and fixed to the second rotating shaft (6), and a roller (702) is rotatably arranged at one end of the arc-shaped plates (701) away from the second rotating shaft (6), and the axis of the roller (702) is parallel to the second rotating shaft (6).

7. A navigation aid for the blind according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The navigation device mounting frame (8) includes a left box portion (801) and a right box portion (802), wherein the left box portion (801) is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the shell (1), a plurality of first mounting seats (803) are fixedly arranged on the side wall of the left box portion (801), and a plurality of second mounting seats (804) are fixedly arranged on the side wall of the right box portion (802), wherein the first mounting seats (803) and the second mounting seats (804) are rotationally connected via a third rotating shaft (805), and a torsion spring (806) is sleeved on the third rotating shaft (805), and the two ends of the torsion spring (806) are respectively fixedly connected to the first mounting seat (803) and the second mounting seat (804).

8. A navigation aid for the blind according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Auxiliary wheels (22) are also provided on the outside of the housing (1).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • A Navigation System for the Blind

    CN106038180B

  • Navigation methods and devices for the blind

    CN112414424B