Telescoping Crutch Shock Absorber Conversion Kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aids with integrated shock absorbers are cumbersome, expensive, and lack adjustability, leading to user discomfort and instability on varying surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A force-absorbing device with telescoping tubes and a resilient damper that compresses to absorb compressive forces, allowing for relative movement and adjustable shock absorption, integrated into a walking aid without requiring tools or altering the crutch's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dedicated spring-loaded crutch is used, then shock absorption is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption function is segmented from the crutch body and implemented as a separate conversion kit that can be attached to existing crutches. This allows shock absorption to be added without redesigning the entire crutch structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the beneficial shock absorption function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption mechanism is extracted as a standalone component (conversion kit) that can be independently attached to or removed from the crutch. This extraction approach allows users to add shock absorption only when needed, avoiding the permanent complexity of dedicated spring-loaded crutches.
2Device complexity
If a conversion kit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but attachment requires tools and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion kit employs self-service attachment mechanisms that do not require external tools. The kit includes components designed to be easily assembled and attached by the user themselves, eliminating the need for specialized tools and making the conversion process convenient and accessible to ordinary users.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock absorber is attached to the crutch body, then shock absorption is improved, but the integrity of the crutch body is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is segmented as a separate attachable component rather than being integrated into the crutch body. This segmentation allows the shock absorber to be mounted independently on the telescoping tubes without compromising the structural integrity of the original crutch body, maintaining reliability while adding shock absorption capability.
4Device complexity
If a fixed shock absorber is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different surfaces and user weights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion kit incorporates adjustable elements that allow users to modify the shock absorption characteristics according to different surfaces and user weights. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustments rather than complex electronic controls, maintaining low device complexity while significantly improving adaptability to various 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 device provides effective shock absorption, reducing user fatigue and discomfort by adjusting to different surfaces and user weights, while maintaining the crutch's stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient damper is located longitudinally between, and affixed to both of, the proximal and distal end members. The resilient damper compresses under a longitudinally oriented compressive force to absorb at least a portion of the longitudinally oriented compressive force
Implementation Method 2
The resilient damper compresses under a longitudinally oriented compressive force to absorb at least a portion of the longitudinally oriented compressive force while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the proximal and distal tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A force absorbing device is provided for use with a walking aid having proximal and distal tubes arranged in a telescoping configuration for relative movement therebetween along a longitudinal axis. A proximal end member is affixed within a hollow bore of the proximal tube with no relative movement between the proximal tube and the proximal end member. A distal end member is longitudinally spaced from the proximal end member and affixed to a proximal end of the distal tube with no relative movement between the distal tube and the distal end member. A resilient damper is located longitudinally between, and affixed to both of, the proximal and distal end members. The resilient damper compresses under a compressive force to absorb at least a portion of the compressive force while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the proximal and distal tubes.