Crutch Holder with Pivoting Elements to Prevent Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crutch holders do not effectively maintain crutches in an upright position and prevent tipping, especially in domestic and hospital environments, limiting the independence of individuals using them.
Innovation Solution
A crutch holder with pivotally mounted holding elements that move from a first to a second position upon crutch insertion, providing increased engagement and holding force, and are counterweighted to automatically return to the first position upon crutch removal, allowing for easy insertion and removal while preventing rotation and tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crutch holders use a simple base with a hollow cylinder, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of maintaining crutch in upright position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position in response to crutch insertion and tipping forces. This dynamic mechanism enables the holder to actively maintain the crutch in an upright position while managing structural complexity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements utilize counterweights to automatically return to their initial position after being displaced by crutch insertion or tipping. This counterweight mechanism provides self-correcting functionality that enhances reliability without requiring complex active control systems.
2Reliability
If holding elements are pivotally mounted to provide increased holding force, then the reliability of preventing tipping is improved, but the ease of operation for insertion and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are pre-configured in a retracted position that allows easy crutch insertion. Once the crutch is inserted, the holding elements automatically move to their engagement position, providing preliminary preparation for both insertion ease and subsequent tipping prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The crutch's own weight and insertion motion automatically trigger the holding elements to move into their engagement position, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the crutch insertion process to activate the holding mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple holding elements are used to prevent rotation in multiple planes, then the reliability of maintaining upright position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each holding element is designed to perform multiple functions: preventing tipping in one direction, preventing rotation in multiple planes, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are integrated into a unified structure where multiple elements work together as a coordinated system. The pivotal mounting allows them to combine their holding forces and work synergistically to prevent rotation in multiple planes, reducing overall device complexity.
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 crutch holder effectively maintains crutches in an upright position, enhances user independence by simplifying retrieval and storage, and reduces the number of parts required for manufacturing, while providing an aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
the holding elements are counterweighted so as to be biased towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a crutch holder 10 for holding a crutch 12. The crutch holder 10 comprises a body 14 providing a cavity 16 for receiving an end 18 of the crutch 12. A plurality of holding elements 22 are movably mounted relative to the body 14 and adapted to move from a first position 24 to a second position 26 in response to the end 18 being received so as to assist with maintaining the crutch 20 in an upright position.