Cane Tip Shock Absorption via Compression Spring Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aid devices lack a controlled coaxial shock absorption system and protective washers, leading to reduced user comfort and premature cane tip wear, especially when interacting with various terrain and cane types.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing cane tip apparatus featuring a tip base with a compression spring and protective washers that can be selectively removed for replacement, providing a sliding cane cavity and a top plate to engage the cane tip, allowing for controlled shock absorption and extended tip longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a compression spring system is added to provide shock absorption, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is nested within the hollow cavity of the cane tip, allowing the shock absorption mechanism to be contained within the existing tip structure without requiring external components or significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring acts as an intermediary element between the ground impact force and the user's hand, absorbing shock through elastic deformation while transmitting reduced force upward through the cane shaft
2Duration of action of stationary object
If protective washers are added to extend tip longevity, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective washers are installed in advance between the cane shaft and the tip to prevent direct contact and damage, cushioning against misalignment forces and lateral stresses before they can cause tip failure
Solution Approach 2:
The washers provide localized protection at the critical interface between the cane shaft and tip, reinforcing only the specific area subject to wear and stress concentration without modifying the entire cane structure
3Reliability
If a coaxial shock absorption system is implemented, then shock absorption control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cane tip design incorporates a universal hollow cavity structure that can accommodate different compression spring specifications and cane shaft diameters, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple product lines and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cane tip is segmented into distinct functional components (protective washers, compression spring, tip cap) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling modular replacement of worn components
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
Enhances user comfort by providing controlled shock absorption and extends the lifespan of the cane tip through effective distribution of weight and protection from damage, allowing for improved flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is coupled to the bottom plate. The compression spring is oriented perpendicular to the base top side
Implementation Method 2
The top plate is configured to engage a distal end of the tip end of the cane and compress the compression spring when weight is pushed onto the cane
Data Source
AI summary
A shock-absorbing cane tip apparatus for user comfort and improved cane tip longevity includes a tip base having a base top side, a base bottom side, and a base perimeter. A tip sidewall is coupled to the tip base. The tip sidewall has a sidewall outer face, a sidewall inner face, and a sidewall top rim. The sidewall inner face defines a cane cavity to slidingly receive a tip end of a cane. A bottom plate is coupled to the tip base within the cane cavity. A compression spring is coupled to the bottom plate and is oriented perpendicular to the base top side. A top plate is coupled to the compression spring and engages a distal end of the tip end of the cane to compress the compression spring when weight is pushed onto the cane.