Crutch Shock-Absorbing Kit With Internal Spring and Sliding Leg
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crutches with shock-absorbing mechanisms suffer from high cost, operating noise, risk of pinching, and inadequate impact cushioning, leading to user discomfort and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing kit for crutches featuring a damping sub-assembly with a plastic or composite lower leg, a helical compression spring, and adjustable elements to enhance comfort and reduce noise, while preventing finger pinching and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an external helical compression spring is used for shock absorption, then impact force attenuation is improved, but operating noise increases and finger pinching risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the helical compression spring inside the upper tube rather than externally, nesting the shock-absorbing mechanism within the existing crutch structure. This eliminates the need for external spring housing while maintaining shock absorption functionality and reducing noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a damping assembly with a damping element (such as a viscoelastic material or damper) that acts as an intermediary between the spring and the moving parts. This mediator reduces the direct mechanical contact and friction that cause noise and finger pinching risks while preserving the shock-absorbing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated damping devices are added to crutches, then user comfort is improved, but purchase cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the damping system into separate modular components: a damping assembly that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation allows for cost-effective production of individual parts and enables optional installation, reducing the base manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to provide shock absorption when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the damping function from an integrated expensive mechanism and implements it through a simplified, cost-reduced damping assembly using basic components like a compression spring and damping element. This extraction maintains the essential shock absorption benefit while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If stop collars are tightened to secure the spring, then shock absorption stability is improved, but the risk of collars slipping and causing falls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retaining structure or safety feature that acts as an intermediary between the stop collars and the spring assembly. This mediator prevents collar slippage through design features such as engagement teeth, friction surfaces, or mechanical interlocks, thereby eliminating the hazard of sudden collar movement while maintaining shock absorption stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates safety features that are built into the damping assembly design from the outset, such as pre-positioned retaining elements or collision-resistant configurations. These beforehand precautions prevent collar slippage before it can occur, ensuring user safety without compromising the shock absorption function.
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 kit provides effective impact attenuation, reduces operating noise, and ensures user comfort with adjustable features, making it affordable and safer for various user sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing kit for a walking assistance crutch... comprising a helical compression spring
Implementation Method 2
an external helical compression spring surrounding their lower tubular part and whose two upper and lower ends are respectively coupled to the upper tube and the lower tube
Implementation Method 3
In order to limit friction between the upper metal tubes 10 and lower metal tubes 20 during its use, the stand 1 finally includes a plastic end piece 60
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shock-absorbing kit for a kickstand comprising a shock-absorbing sub-assembly intended to be inserted into the upper tube (10) of this kickstand in replacement of its lower tube and comprising: - a stop block (110) having a bore provided to be passed through by a pin (32) of a first locking member (30) of said kickstand also passing through an upper pair of holes of said upper tube so as to ensure its fixing, - a lower leg made of plastic or composite material (150) having an oblong slot (151) provided to be passed through by the pin (202) of a second locking member (200) also passing through a lower pair of holes of said upper tube so as to ensure said leg can slide axially between two extreme positions high and low, and - a helical compression spring (120) intended to be arranged between said stop block and said leg.