Constant-Force Spring Walking Stick Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking stick holders with helical tension springs are uncomfortable for older and disabled users due to increasing tension force with elongation, and the springs are difficult to integrate structurally and aesthetically, especially when dealing with varying tabletop thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A walking stick holder using a constant-force spring with a rolled-up resilient ribbon material, where the rolled-up portion is housed in one clamping element and the free outer end is connected to the other, providing a consistent biasing force and easier integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a helical tension spring is used as biasing means, then the spring can provide sufficient biasing force, but the tension force increases substantially with elongation distance making it uncomfortable for users and difficult to integrate structurally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring constant parameter from high (helical spring) to very small (constant-force spring), transforming the force-displacement relationship from linearly increasing to virtually constant. This allows the biasing force to remain sufficient for clamping while requiring almost constant force from the user during application, regardless of tabletop thickness.
2Force
If a helical tension spring is used as biasing means, then the spring can provide sufficient biasing force, but the spring is difficult to integrate into the assembly and affects aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-force spring is rolled up into a compact cylindrical form that fits within the clamping element housing, similar to a nested doll structure. The rolled-up spring occupies minimal space while maintaining its biasing function, enabling easy integration into the stick holder assembly without compromising aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is transformed from a linear helical structure to a rolled-up cylindrical form, changing its spatial dimensionality. This dimensional transformation allows the spring to be compactly housed within the clamping element, simplifying integration and improving aesthetics while retaining functional performance.
3Force
If a helical tension spring is used, then biasing force is provided, but the force varies significantly with tabletop thickness requiring excessive user force for thick edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring characteristic from a high spring constant (helical spring with increasing force) to a very small spring constant (constant-force spring with stable force). This parameter change enables the device to adapt to varying tabletop thicknesses with almost constant user effort, significantly improving versatility across different thickness conditions.
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 constant-force spring design offers a comfortable and consistent clamping force suitable for various tabletop thicknesses, improving usability and aesthetic integration, making the walking stick holder more accessible for all users.
Implementation Method 1
a constant-force spring of rolled-up resilient ribbon material
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
AI summary
Device configured and for use as a stick holder, comprising two cooperating clamping elements (1, 2), which are linearly displaceable relative to each other, and wherein one of the clamping elements is configured to be able to be attached onto a stick. Wherein furthermore biasing means are provided, which are configured to exert a biasing force on the clamping elements, diving them towards each other. Wherein the biasing means comprise a constant-force spring (5) of rolled-up resilient ribbon material, of which the rolled-up portion is mounted in or against a first clamping element (1) and the linearly-extendable free outer end (8) of the spring is connected to the second clamping element (2).