Adjustable Cane With Memory Function Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canes are difficult for individuals with ailments or memory problems to adjust to the proper height, requiring frequent adjustments and posing challenges when retracted for storage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cane with a memory function, featuring a control mechanism that allows users to set a desired length, enabling the cane to extend directly to that length upon use and remember the adjusted length for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional telescopic cane with multiple openings and spring-loaded button is used, then the cane can be adjusted to different lengths, but users with memory problems cannot remember how to adjust it to the proper height and must repeatedly adjust it every time
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is pre-positioned at a specific location along the tube that corresponds to the desired cane length. When the cane is collapsed, the control mechanism automatically engages with the extension rod at this predetermined position, causing the cane to extend to the correct length without requiring the user to remember or manually adjust it.
Solution Approach 2:
The cane's control mechanism automatically performs the length adjustment function without user intervention. The spring-loaded control mechanism self-activates when the cane transitions from collapsed to extended state, automatically positioning the extension rod at the correct length based on the pre-set control mechanism location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional telescopic cane structure is used, then the cane can be extended and retracted, but users must manually adjust the length each time after folding which is difficult for people with ailments
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is pre-positioned at a specific location along the tube that corresponds to the desired cane length. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for users to manually adjust the length each time, making the cane adaptable to user needs without requiring complex manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adjustment decision-making process from the user and embeds it in the pre-positioned control mechanism. The control mechanism is separated from the extension rod initially, then automatically engages at the correct position, removing the cognitive and physical burden of adjustment from the user.
3Ease of operation
If the control mechanism is positioned to allow free movement for adjustment, then the cane can be extended to desired length, but the control mechanism must be restricted to maintain the set length during use
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a free state during adjustment where the extension rod can move relative to the tube, and a locked state during use where the spring-loaded button engages with the openings to maintain the set length. This dynamic behavior allows both easy adjustment and stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded button is pre-positioned to engage with the openings at the desired length, creating a preliminary locking action that prevents the extension rod from moving once the cane is extended. This preliminary anti-action ensures the cane maintains its set length during use without requiring continuous user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A cane includes a tube, an extension rod telescopically mounted within one end of the tube, and a control mechanism sandwiched between the tube and the extension rod. The tube defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The extension rod defines a plurality of holes. The control mechanism is movable among a first position where the control mechanism is positioned in a selected one of the holes in the extension rod, and the tube, the extension rod and the control mechanism are prohibited from moving axially with respect to one another; a second position where the extension rod and the control mechanism together are allowed to move axially with respect to the tube; and a third position where the extension rod is allowed to move axially with respect to the control mechanism and the tube.