Flexible Rod Mobility Device for Visually Impaired Toddlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toddlers with visual impairments face developmental delays due to lack of suitable mobility tools, leading to fear of movement and exploration, as current devices are difficult to use and do not provide adequate safety or tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A hands-optional mobility device with flexible vertical rods and curved surfaces that transmit tactile sensations, preventing use as a walking aid and allowing safe exploration without hand support, featuring a frame with a fastener system for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mobility device is provided for the toddler, then structural stability is improved, but the toddler cannot use it as a walking aid and tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the vertical rods flexible rather than rigid. The rods are designed to bend under vertical loads (more than 5 kg) by at least 5 cm, which allows them to provide tactile feedback to the toddler while maintaining sufficient structural stability for mobility support. This flexibility parameter change resolves the contradiction between stability and tactile feedback.
2Strength
If the vertical rods are made rigid, then structural strength is improved, but the device cannot provide tactile sensations and the toddler cannot explore safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the vertical rods to be flexible rather than rigid. This allows the rods to bend and provide tactile sensations that alert the toddler to obstacles and dangers, enabling safe exploration. The flexibility is quantified as bending by at least 5 cm under vertical loads exceeding 5 kg, which maintains sufficient strength while enabling tactile feedback for safety.
3Ease of operation
If hand-held mobility devices are used, then the toddler can maintain grasp and control, but the device becomes a crutch and does not encourage independent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vertical rods flexible rather than rigid. This flexibility allows the rods to move and bend in response to forces applied by the toddler, preventing the device from being used as a crutch. The dynamic response encourages the toddler to move independently while maintaining grasp control, as the flexible rods adapt to the toddler's movements rather than restricting them.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the device provides strong structural support, then mobility stability is improved, but the toddler cannot utilize the rods as walking aids and tactile feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the rigidity parameter of the vertical rods to be flexible. The rods are designed to bend by at least 5 cm under vertical loads more than 5 kg, which provides sufficient mobility stability while enabling tactile feedback for exploration. The flexibility allows the rods to maintain structural support function while also providing the tactile sensations needed for safe exploration.
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 safe and confident movement for visually impaired toddlers, mitigating developmental delays by providing tactile feedback and keeping hands free for exploration, while preventing misuse as a crutch.
Implementation Method 1
the vertical rods are sufficiently flexible that the toddler cannot utilize the rods as walking aids
Implementation Method 2
Curved surfaces at the distal ends of the rods slide along the floor and transmit tactile sensations to the toddler
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing hands-optional mobility to a visually impaired toddler is disclosed. The device has a frame with vertical rods that connect to a toddler's body with a fastener. Curved surfaces at the distal ends of the rods slide along the floor and transmit tactile sensations to the toddler. Advantageously, the vertical rods are sufficiently flexible that the toddler cannot utilize the rods as walking aids.