Elastic Mobility Aid Handgrip Cover with Rolling Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobility aids' handgrips are often hard and sweaty, causing discomfort and blister formation, and existing magnetic solutions have limitations in magnetic force and ease of use, particularly for users with limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover made of elastic material with a Shore A elasticity of 25-55 and a rolling flange for easy installation and removal, combined with a compressible patch for improved comfort and a magnetic body for secure attachment, providing a customizable and comfortable handgrip solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard plastic or wood handgrip is used, then robustness and frequent use are enabled, but user comfort deteriorates due to hardness and sweat accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible cover made of elastic material (Shore A 25-55) that fits over the hard handgrip. This flexible shell provides a soft, comfortable surface for user contact while the underlying hard handgrip maintains its structural robustness. The elastic material conforms to the handgrip shape and can be rolled up for easy installation and removal.
2Reliability
If a magnet is incorporated in a cover, then prevention of crutch falling is achieved, but magnetic force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate magnetic patch that can be attached to the handgrip or cover. This magnetic patch acts as an intermediary component that provides the necessary magnetic force for preventing crutch falling, while the cover itself maintains its elastic properties for comfort and ease of use. The magnetic patch can be positioned optimally for maximum magnetic effect.
3Ease of operation
If a cover is made of highly elastic material, then ease of installation is improved, but the cover may come off too easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise elasticity range (Shore A 25-55) for the cover material. This parameter optimization ensures the material is sufficiently elastic to be rolled up for easy installation over the handgrip, while maintaining enough firmness to stay securely in place during use. The specific Shore A range balances these conflicting requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a flange is added for rolling up the cover, then ease of removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flange as a distinct segment at the end of the cover. This segmented structure allows the cover to be easily rolled up from the flange end for removal or adjustment. The flange acts as a separate functional element that simplifies the rolling action without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 solution enhances user comfort by reducing blister formation, improving ease of use, and increasing independence for mobility aid users by providing a soft, secure, and customizable handgrip experience.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated body is made of an elastic material with an elasticity, expressed in Shore A, of 25-55
Implementation Method 2
combined with a compressible patch for improved comfort and a magnetic body for secure attachment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention provides a cover configured for being fitted removably over a handgrip of a mobility aid, comprising : an elongated body extending in the axial direction for receiving the handgrip, with a first opening at a first end of said elongated, tubular body for receiving the aforementioned handgrip and a second end located opposite the first end that is open or closed, characterized in that the elongated body is made of an elastic material with an elasticity, expressed in Shore A, of 25-55 and the elongated body is provided, at the periphery of the first end, with a flange for rolling up and unrolling the first end in the direction of the second end of the elongated body wherein the length of the elongated body decreases or increases, respectively. The invention also provides methods, uses, and (kit of) components.