Magnetic Mount for Crutches Using Offset Magnets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals using movement assist devices, such as crutches, face difficulties in performing everyday tasks due to the lack of free hand use, necessitating a device that can securely attach and hold items like cup holders or other essentials.
Innovation Solution
A movement assist device aid comprising a mount assembly with a shaft mount, flexible arms, and a magnetically engaging attachment assembly, allowing for secure attachment to crutches or other assistive devices, enabling the user to hold items like beverages or phones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movement assist device (crutch) is used to support the user's weight and mobility, then the user's mobility and stability are improved, but the user loses free use of their hands making everyday tasks difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a mount assembly that attaches to the crutch, and a removable attachment assembly that holds items. This segmentation allows the crutch to maintain its primary mobility function while adding auxiliary functionality through the detachable attachment assembly, thus preserving hand freedom when the attachment is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount assembly serves multiple functions: it attaches to the crutch structure, provides a mounting interface for various attachments, and includes magnetic components for secure attachment. The attachment assembly can hold different items (cup, phone, etc.), making the system multi-functional while maintaining the crutch's primary mobility support function.
2Strength
If a rigid mechanical attachment system is used to secure accessories to the crutch, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, latches) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnets in the mount assembly and attachment assembly create strong magnetic attraction that secures the attachment firmly to the crutch, while allowing for easy attachment and detachment by simply bringing the components together or pulling them apart, eliminating complex mechanical operations.
3Force
If magnets are positioned coaxially for magnetic engagement, then the magnetic attraction force is maximized, but the attachment becomes difficult to align and secure properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally positions the magnets in an asymmetric, offset configuration rather than coaxially. The first magnet is positioned within an aperture in the mount assembly, while the second magnet is positioned in the attachment assembly with its center offset from the aperture center. This asymmetric positioning creates a self-aligning effect where the magnetic attraction naturally draws the components into proper alignment during attachment, while still providing sufficient holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset magnetic configuration enables self-alignment during the attachment process. As the attachment assembly approaches the mount assembly, the magnetic field automatically guides the components into the correct relative positions without requiring manual alignment, and the magnetic force secures them in place once aligned.
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
Enables users to securely attach and detach various accessories, such as cup holders, to movement assist devices, enhancing usability and convenience by providing additional hand-free functionality during daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnet of the mount assembly and the second magnet of the attachment assembly are configured to magnetically engage with each other to secure the attachment assembly to the mount assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A movement assist device aid includes a mount assembly and an attachment assembly. The mount assembly includes a shaft mount and a first magnet positioned within the shaft mount. The first magnet includes a first central axis. The attachment assembly includes a second magnet. The second magnet includes a second central axis. The first magnet of the mount assembly and the second magnet of the attachment assembly are configured to magnetically engage with each other to secure the attachment assembly to the mount assembly. The first central axis of the first magnet is offset from the second central axis of the second magnet when the attachment assembly is secured to the mount assembly.