Walking Cane Integrated Grasper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking canes with integrated grabber tools compromise the strength and stability needed for balance due to elaborate accessories or separate tools that affect usability.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight walking cane with a concealable grasper featuring a spring-loaded trigger, wrist half graspers, a grasper actuator, and a structural support tubing that allows for a seamless transition between a stable cane and an open grasper configuration, enabling users to grasp objects without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a grabber tool is attached to or integrated into a walking cane, then the ability to grasp objects is improved, but the stability and strength of the cane for balance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper components (phalanges, ligaments, boots) are nested within the cane structure, specifically within the external tubing and structural support tubing. When not in use, all grasper elements are contained within the cane body, maintaining a compact and strong structure. When activated, they extend outward to perform grasping functions, thus achieving versatility without permanently compromising structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper is designed as a dynamic, movable structure rather than a static attachment. The phalanges can rotate about the cane axis, the ligaments can flex, and the entire grasper assembly can extend and retract. This dynamic design allows the grasper to be deployed only when needed, maintaining cane strength during normal walking while enabling grasping when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate accessories are added to provide grasping function, then the grasping capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walking cane is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for walking, enables grasping of objects, and maintains balance. The same structural components (tubing, internal rod, spring mechanism) serve both as structural support elements and as actuation mechanisms for the grasper, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper mechanism is merged with the cane structure itself rather than being a separate accessory. The external tubing serves as both the cane body and the housing for the grasper components. The internal rod serves as both a structural support element and the actuation mechanism for deploying the grasper. This merging reduces overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate hand grabber tool is carried, then the grasping capability is improved, but the loss of time and convenience is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper tool is merged with the walking cane into a single integrated device. The user carries only one object (the cane) that provides both walking support and grasping functionality. The grasper can be activated quickly by manipulating the trigger mechanism on the handle, eliminating the time required to put down the cane, retrieve a separate grabber tool, and then use it.
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
The cane maintains stability while allowing users to reach and grasp objects without the need for separate tools, enhancing usability and reducing the complexity of accessories that affect balance.
Implementation Method 1
the handle including a spring loaded trigger
Implementation Method 2
the grasper comprises two wrist half graspers, a grasper spring, a grasper actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight, stable walking cane that contains an integrated grasper tool to extend a user's reach to pick up objects. The cane contains two configurations, a locked walking cane configuration for stability and balance, and an unlocked configuration with an open grasper tool for grasping objects.