Adjustable Crutch and Cane System with Leg Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking aids require frequent adjustments and lack necessary adjustability, leading to logistical challenges, increased healthcare costs, and potential complications such as improper alignment or lack of support, impeding patient independence and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A customizable walking aid system comprising a leg stabilizer, knee brace, and adjustable walking-aid apparatus with features like a telescopic structure, adjustable angle hinge, and stabilizer straps, allowing for seamless adjustments to the patient's height, weight, and recovery stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional walking aids are used, then basic mobility support is provided, but frequent adjustments are required leading to increased healthcare costs and logistical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The walking aid apparatus incorporates a telescopic structure with adjustable locking mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of the device length. This allows the apparatus to adapt to different patient heights and recovery stages without requiring complete replacement or frequent professional adjustments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes user-adjustable features such as telescopic sections with locking mechanisms and adjustable-angle hinges that patients can modify themselves according to their recovery progress. This self-service capability eliminates the need for frequent medical visits for adjustments, addressing both the adaptability requirement and the time loss problem.
2Reliability
If conventional walking aids are used, then mobility assistance is provided, but lack of necessary adjustability results in improper alignment or lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus features an adjustable-angle hinge mechanism that allows the support arm to be positioned at different angles relative to the body. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures proper alignment accuracy for different patient anatomies and recovery stages, simultaneously improving reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple adjustable parameters including telescopic length, hinge angle, and strap positioning. By enabling changes in these physical parameters, the apparatus achieves both precise alignment accuracy and high customizability for different patient needs.
3Ease of operation
If conventional walking aids are used, then basic support is provided, but patient independence is impeded due to limited adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The walking aid apparatus is designed with user-friendly adjustment mechanisms including telescopic sections with simple locking systems and adjustable straps that patients can modify themselves. This self-service design enhances patient independence while maintaining a wide adjustability range for different body types and recovery stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into multiple adjustable segments including telescopic sections, adjustable-angle hinges, and independently positionable straps. This segmentation allows patients to easily adjust each component for optimal fit and comfort, improving ease of operation while expanding the overall adaptability range.
Data Source
AI summary
A crutch system designed as a walking aid that transforms into various forms, including a crutch and cane, allows for significant time savings by eliminating multiple visits to medical facilities for length adjustments during recovery. The system features an “L” shaped leg stabilizer that keeps the injured leg straight, with adjustable straps for securing the foot and leg to facilitate healing. A telescopic walking-aid apparatus allows height adjustments and supports the user under the armpit or in hand, with multiple handles for added stability. An adjustable angle hinge secures the thigh and knee plates to prevent unwanted movement while accommodating various injuries. Additionally, a protective knee brace includes ventilation for comfort and interlocking fasteners for comprehensive coverage. The design incorporates spring-loaded locking mechanisms for easy length modifications throughout the recovery process, ensuring adaptability to user needs.