Walking Cane Battery Assembly Waterproofing via Segmented Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminated walking canes are prone to malfunction in rainy environments due to water ingress at the battery location, which compromises the light source and safety performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a detachable battery assembly with a recessed cavity and a waterproof configuration, where the charging port is hidden inside the handle, preventing external rainwater from entering and ensuring the battery assembly remains dry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery assembly is made detachable for ease of replacement and charging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of water ingress at the connection interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separate components: an upper shell, a lower shell, and a detachable battery assembly. This segmentation allows the battery to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining waterproof integrity through precise interface design between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly is nested within the handle structure, with the battery unit positioned inside the lower shell. The charging port is integrated into the battery assembly itself, creating a compact nested arrangement that protects internal components while enabling easy access for charging.
2Ease of operation
If the charging port is exposed on the exterior for ease of charging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly serves as an intermediary carrier for the charging port. Instead of exposing the charging port directly on the handle exterior, it is integrated into the battery assembly which can be detached. This intermediary arrangement allows charging access while protecting the port from water ingress when the battery assembly is installed.
3Reliability
If the battery assembly is sealed tightly to prevent water ingress, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for battery replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into modular components (upper shell, lower shell, battery assembly) that can be easily separated. This segmentation enables tight sealing at each interface to prevent water ingress while allowing simple detachment and reattachment of the battery assembly for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities. The interface between the battery assembly and handle allows for easy separation when needed while maintaining secure, waterproof connection during normal use, adapting between static sealed state and dynamic removable state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the safety performance and service life of the cane by maintaining the functionality of the light source in adverse weather conditions, providing reliable illumination and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminated cane includes a light emitting diode or similar light source that is supportive of a walking user
Implementation Method 2
a power source having the battery cells in the cane head area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an illuminated walking cane having a cane pole component, a ground-engaging tip at a first end and a handle at an opposing second end, a light mounted on the cane pole component. The handle has a supporting seat with a recessed cavity, a battery assembly with a conductive terminal accommodated in the recessed cavity and an upper cover covering the battery assembly so that the upper shell and the battery assembly form an integral piece which may be grasped by hand and may be detached from the supporting seat. The battery assembly has a bottom shell, a battery unit and a charging port provided on the bottom of the battery assembly. The edge of the bottom shell is supported and connected by the edge of the supporting seat to form a space for receiving the charging port.