Mobility Cane with Curved Branches and Pivoting Casters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aids such as canes and walkers are not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility, as they require constant repositioning, lack stability, and are not easily maneuverable, posing a risk of falling and being too bulky.
Innovation Solution
A cane design featuring four curved branches with pivoting casters that maintain constant ground contact, allowing users to walk smoothly without lifting the cane, and a handle that can be adjusted in height for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cane is used, then the structure is simple, but the user must constantly reposition it with each step, creating a risk of falling
Solution Approach 1:
The cane incorporates four wheels that allow it to move dynamically with the user's steps. The wheels are mounted on curved branches that extend backward, enabling the cane to roll forward automatically when the user steps forward, eliminating the need for constant manual repositioning while maintaining stability and fall prevention capabilities.
2Reliability
If a walker is used, then stability is provided, but the device is bulky and not easily maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The cane divides the stability function into four separate wheel units mounted on curved branches, each contributing to the overall stability. This segmentation allows the device to provide walker-like stability through the distributed wheel contact points while maintaining the compact, maneuverable form factor of a traditional cane.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved branches extend backward in a specific geometric arrangement that creates a stable base of support without increasing the forward footprint of the device. This dimensional arrangement of the wheels in space provides stability comparable to a walker while keeping the device compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
3Ease of operation
If wheels are added to provide continuous ground contact, then the user can walk without lifting the cane, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting structure is merged with the curved branches that form the support structure of the cane. The wheels are integrated into the curved branches rather than being separate attachments, combining the support function with the rolling function into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Stick (1) comprising a handgrip (10) and a supporting structure (3) comprising a support tube (4) and four curved branches (5, 6, 7 and 8) which are connected to the support tube (4), each one having a vertical lower end and a caster (9) and extending downward away from the support tube, a first and a second curved branch (5, 6) having their vertical lower ends extending in a first vertical plane, a third and a fourth curved branch (7, 8) having their vertical ends extending in a second vertical plane, parallel to the first, the distance between the vertical ends of the first and of the second curved branches being greater than the distance between the vertical ends of the third and of the fourth curved branches, the first vertical plane being situated at a distance from the support tube that is shorter than the distance between the second vertical plane and this support tube.