Integrated Cane Reacher with Nested Grabber and Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking canes with separate grabber reaching aids are inconvenient, especially in dynamic situations like shopping or traveling, and lack a built-in light source for low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A walking cane with an integrated reaching device that includes a handle with a power source, adjustable sections, and a grasping mechanism with a light fixture, allowing the cane to serve as a grabber, light source, and height adjuster in a single, portable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate grabber reaching aid is used, then the reaching function is available, but the device must be retrieved from a static location which is inconvenient when out shopping or traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a walking cane and a grabber reaching aid into a single integrated device. The grabber mechanism is housed within the cane structure, allowing the user to have both mobility assistance and reaching capability in one device that can be carried anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it provides walking support as a cane, extends reaching capability for high or low items, and includes an illumination function for low-light conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grabber devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a grabber reaching aid is integrated into the cane, then the device becomes more versatile, but the structural complexity of the cane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grabber mechanism is nested within the cane structure. The grasping device with its fingers and actuating components is housed inside the cane body, allowing the grabber function to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the cane.
Solution Approach 2:
The cane is divided into functional sections: a handle section with illumination, a shaft section containing the grabber mechanism, and a tip section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall integration.
3Illumination intensity
If illumination means is added to the cane, then low-light visibility is improved, but the device requires additional power source and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is integrated with the existing power source and control mechanisms of the cane. The light source is positioned in the handle section and can be activated by the same or adjacent controls used for other cane functions, sharing common electrical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination cane and reaching device within the cane body having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a pair of grabber ends which are concealed by a stopper at a distal end of the cane. The grabber ends are exposed when the rubber bottom of the cane is removed. The grabber ends are actuated when the cane handle at the proximal end is gripped and squeezed. The combination cane and reaching device is capable of being collapsed by folding the cane body back upon itself. This feature allows the cane to be stored in an unobtrusive manner. The combination cane and reaching device also contains a flashlight in the handle.