Flexible Cane And Crutch Holder for One-Handed Surface Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holders for objects like crutches and canes require significant force to attach to external surfaces, often necessitating two hands and are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a U- or V-shaped hook and flexible securing means, allowing one-handed attachment to various surfaces by simply contacting the holder with the surface, featuring a flexible fastening mechanism that adapts to different shapes and sizes without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid tube-shaped holder with spring-loaded shanks is used to secure the object, then the holding strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because significant force is required to attach and detach the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body is made from a flexible material that can be deformed by hand pressure to open the shanks, and then automatically returns to its original shape to close and grip the object. This flexibility allows single-handed operation without requiring tools or excessive force, while still providing strong holding capability through elastic recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder utilizes changes in the physical state of the flexible material - specifically its elasticity and deformability - to enable easy attachment and detachment. The material can be temporarily deformed to open the gripping shanks, then automatically rebounds to secure the object, providing both ease of operation and strong holding force.
2Reliability
If a complex spring mechanism with multiple shanks is used to secure the object, then the reliability of object retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single flexible body structure. The shanks, spring mechanism, and holder body are integrated into one piece made from flexible material, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable object retention through the material's elastic properties.
3Force
If a holder requiring two hands for operation is used, then the securing force is sufficient, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material itself performs the work of both opening and closing the shanks through its elastic properties. When the user applies pressure with one hand, the material deforms to open the shanks, and when released, the material's elasticity automatically closes the shanks to secure the object, eliminating the need for a second hand to manipulate separate components.
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 easy, one-handed attachment of objects like crutches and canes to diverse surfaces, preventing them from falling, and ensuring secure positioning without tools or additional force.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the flexible fastening means (6) comprises a U- or V-shaped hook comprising at least two legs (13) having an upward closed end and a downward open end
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a holder for an object such as a crutch, a cane, a tool or a similar device comprising a longitudinal handle or support part. In particular, the present invention relates to a holder for an object such as a crutch, a cane, a tool or similar comprising a body (1) having an upward surface (2) and an opposite downward surface (3) and between the upward and downward surface (2, 3) a sideward surface (4) extends, securing means (5) configured to secure the body (1) to the object (not shown) during use, and flexible fastening means (6) configured to attach the holder to an external surface during use, wherein the flexible fastening means (6) comprises a U- or V-shaped hook comprising at least two legs (13) having an upward closed end and a downward open end.