Multi-functional Crutch with Adjustable Base Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crutches lack versatility as they cannot effectively support an injured leg when the user is sitting, often requiring additional footrests and failing to provide adequate stability in varying positions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional crutch with a base portion that can alter its length and footprint configuration, allowing it to function both as a walking aid and a footrest, featuring a handle, main rod, and a base with adjustable legs that change from a compact ambulatory configuration to a wider, more stable seated configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional crutch is used for ambulatory support, then it provides mobility assistance, but it lacks stability and functionality when the user is sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The crutch is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a walking aid during ambulation and transforms into a stable footrest when the user is seated. The base portion can be reconfigured from a compact single-point contact during walking to a widened tripod configuration for footrest stability, eliminating the need for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The crutch incorporates a dynamic base portion that can change its configuration between two states: a compact configuration for ambulatory use and a widened tripod configuration for footrest use. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt its stability characteristics based on the user's needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base portion is widened for footrest stability, then seated comfort improves, but the crutch becomes harder to use during ambulation
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion dynamically changes its footprint based on the operational mode. During ambulation, the base maintains a compact configuration for ease of movement. When transformed into a footrest, the base widens into a tripod configuration with increased footprint to provide stability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is divided into multiple legs that can be repositioned relative to each other. During ambulation, the legs are compact for easy maneuvering. For footrest use, the legs are splayed outward to form a stable tripod configuration, distributing the load across three points of contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional footrests are carried for seated use, then footrest availability improves, but the burden on the injured user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crutch serves dual purposes as both a mobility aid and a footrest device. By integrating the footrest functionality into the crutch itself, the design eliminates the need for users to carry additional separate footrest devices, reducing overall weight and simplifying the user's burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest function is merged with the crutch structure. The base portion of the crutch is designed to function as both the support during walking and the resting surface for the foot during seated positions, combining two previously separate functions into one integrated device.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the crutch height is adjusted for footrest use, then seated comfort improves, but the ambulatory positioning becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The crutch system dynamically adjusts both its height and base configuration based on the operational mode. For ambulatory use, the crutch maintains its standard height and compact base. For footrest use, the base transforms into a widened tripod configuration and the handle positioning provides appropriate height for foot support, with both adjustments coordinated through the transformation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A crutch (102) for supporting a leg of a user is described. The crutch comprises a handle (112), a base portion (116) having plurality of legs (114) that define a footprint when contacting the ground, and a main rod (123) connecting the handle and the base portion. The base portion (116) is moveable to alter the length of the crutch (102) from a first configuration to a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration the handle (112) is positioned at a first distance from the base portion (116) for gripping by an ambulatory user and in the second configuration the handle (112) is positioned at a second, shorter, distance from the base portion (116) for resting a foot of a sitting user; and wherein the base portion (116) provides a smaller footprint in the first configuration than in the second configuration.