Spring-Loaded Cane Clamp for Walker Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of walkers and rollators face difficulties in transporting and maneuvering these devices in tight spaces while also needing to carry a walking cane, as they are bulky and require both hands for stability, making it cumbersome to switch between using a cane and these aids in different locations.
Innovation Solution
A walking cane clamp system that includes a spring-loaded clip and base, allowing secure attachment of the cane to a walker or rollator, enabling easy transportation and one-handed operation, with optional drainage ports for cleaning, and adaptable to various cane types including tripod canes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users carry a walking cane separately while using a walker or rollator, then they have access to both mobility aids, but it becomes cumbersome and requires both hands, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate mobility aids (walker/rollator and walking cane) into a single integrated system. The cane clamp mechanism attaches the walking cane to the walker or rollator frame, allowing both devices to function together as one unit. This eliminates the need to carry the cane separately and enables one-handed operation of the walker while the cane remains securely attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker or rollator is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating a cane clamp mechanism and base. This allows the device to serve dual purposes: providing support as a walker/rollator and securely transporting a walking cane. The universal design enables the same base structure to accommodate different cane types (single-point or tripod bases).
2Stability of the object's composition
If walkers and rollators are used for stability, then users gain support and stability, but the devices become bulky and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cane clamp mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded biasing member that provides dynamic adjustment. The spring allows the clamp to automatically adjust to different cane sizes and shapes while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment of the cane without requiring complex manual adjustments, improving maneuverability while maintaining stability.
3Ease of operation
If a walking cane is attached to a walker or rollator, then transportation of the cane is simplified, but the attachment mechanism must be reliable and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The cane clamp mechanism is designed as a self-service system where the spring-loaded biasing member automatically secures the cane in place through elastic force. The mechanism self-adjusts to maintain secure attachment without requiring continuous user intervention. The spring force automatically compensates for variations in cane weight and position, ensuring reliable attachment while allowing easy one-handed operation for attachment and detachment.
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
Enables users to conveniently switch between using a walker or rollator and a walking cane by securely attaching the cane to the device, improving mobility and reducing clutter, while maintaining stability and ease of use in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member being pivotally biased toward the closed position in which a portion of the biasing member covers a portion of the opening sufficient to secure the cane shaft within the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the biasing member is spring loaded
Data Source
AI summary
A walking cane clamp is provided which includes a clip dimensioned and configured to releasably secure the walking cane clamp to a support member, the clip being attached to a cane fastener, the cane fastener including a body portion and a biasing member pivotally attached to the body portion, the body portion defining an opening and a receptacle dimensioned and configured to receive a portion of a cane shaft, the biasing member defining an open position and a closed position of the receptacle, the biasing member being pivotally biased toward the closed position in which a portion of the biasing member covers a portion of the opening sufficient to secure the cane shaft within the receptacle. Also provided is a system for securing a walking cane to a walker or a rollator which includes a walking cane clamp as described herein and a base for receiving the walking cane. Also provided is a walker or rollator which includes a walking cane clamp as described herein and an optional base for receiving a walking cane.