Ergonomic Handle with Asymmetric Shaft for Probing Cane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility cane handles lack ergonomic design, which can lead to discomfort and reduced control for users, especially those who are vision-impaired or blind, as they do not provide adequate grip or orientation assistance.
Innovation Solution
A handle design featuring a shaft with a flat side, a curved side, and a bulge, where the bulge extends from the distal end to the proximal end, providing a positive surface for the palm and incorporating electronics with a charge port and power switch, allowing for enhanced control and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional round, straight shaft handles are used, then manufacturing is simple, but grip comfort and control are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle shaft is designed with asymmetric geometry featuring a flat side and a curved side, creating an ergonomic shape that naturally guides hand placement and improves grip comfort. This asymmetric design provides tactile orientation cues for users while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle incorporates a bulge at a specific location along the shaft, creating a localized ergonomic feature that enhances palm contact and control. This local modification to the shaft geometry provides improved grip comfort without requiring complete redesign of the entire handle structure.
2Ease of operation
If handle shape is changed to ergonomic design, then grip and control improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric handle design with flat and curved sides can be manufactured using standard metal forming or molding processes. The geometry, while ergonomic, does not require complex multi-step fabrication and can be produced as a single integrated component, minimizing manufacturing complexity.
3Loss of information
If flat sides are added to shaft, then orientation assistance improves, but surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat sides of the shaft provide tactile orientation cues that help users identify handle position and orientation. The flat surfaces are integrated into the overall ergonomic shape, providing orientation information without requiring excessive additional surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate to a handle with enhanced ergonomics and improved shape, especially for use with a probing or mobility cane. In one aspect, the handle may offer improved grip and coordination by someone who is blind or sight impaired. In one aspect, the handle may contain electronics and offer improved usability in the operation of those electronics.