Foldable crutch stool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crutch stools suffer from unstable connections in the folded state, leading to accidental unfolding and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A foldable crutch stool design with a reliable connection mechanism using snap-fit portions and a connecting member, ensuring the stool assembly remains folded securely and includes adjustable height for user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stool assembly is connected to the support rod via a positioning base and sliding base, then the stool can be folded and unfolded, but the connection becomes unstable and the stool assembly may unfold accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic connection system that transitions between two states: during folding/unfolding operations, the snap-fit portions engage to provide stable locking; during normal use, the connection remains secure while allowing controlled movement. The first snap-fit portions on the stool assembly and second snap-fit portions on the positioning base create a dynamic locking mechanism that maintains reliability throughout the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit portions act as intermediary elements between the stool assembly and positioning base, creating a reliable connection interface. The first snap-fit portions on the stool assembly engage with the second snap-fit portions on the positioning base, serving as a mediating mechanism that ensures stable connection while maintaining the foldable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stool assembly is made foldable with sliding base, then portability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to accidental unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating snap-fit portions that proactively prevent accidental unfolding. The first snap-fit portions on the stool assembly and second snap-fit portions on the positioning base create a pre-established locking mechanism that counteracts any forces that might cause accidental unfolding, thereby eliminating the safety hazard before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of unstable connection into a benefit by using the sliding base mechanism in conjunction with snap-fit portions. The sliding base allows controlled movement for folding while the snap-fit portions ensure that when folded, the connection becomes exceptionally secure, turning the potential weakness into a strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12593901B2Foldable crutch stool

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 HONGKONG PISHON MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses a foldable crutch stool, including: a support assembly, including an upper support rod and a lower support rod, which are telescopic; a collapsing assembly; and a stool assembly with an upper end pivoted to a sliding base and a lower end pivoted to a positioning base via collapsible rods, wherein a bottom surface of a lower end of the stool assembly is provided with first snap-fit portions, the positioning base is provided with a connector which is provided with second snap-fit portions, and when the stool assembly is folded, the first snap-fit portions are snap-fitted with the second snap-fit portions.