Folding Cane Hinge Lock Mechanism for Arthritis Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding walking canes face difficulties in detachment due to frictional issues between shaft pieces and lack a stable mechanism to hold them in the folded position, especially for users with arthritis, requiring additional straps for stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating hinged joints with automatic locking mechanisms and magnets to allow the cane to fold to approximately thirty-three percent of its normal size, with spring-biased slide tabs for easy unlocking and magnetic retention in the folded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shaft members are connected by elastic cord to enable folding, then the cane can be collapsed for storage, but the shaft pieces become difficult to detach due to frictional lodging
Solution Approach 1:
The cane shaft is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can be separated and reconnected. Each segment has a reduced diameter end that slides into the normal diameter end of adjacent segments, allowing controlled assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic cord acts as an intermediary element running through the hollow interior of each shaft member, providing tension to hold segments together during use while allowing controlled separation when needed, thus mediating between the need for firm connection and easy detachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shaft members are frictionally connected to enable telescoping, then the cane can be extended and collapsed, but the frictional connection prevents easy detachment for users with arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static friction-based hold to a dynamic system where the elastic cord tension can be easily adjusted and released. The reduced diameter interface allows segments to slide together smoothly while the elastic cord provides progressive tension, enabling users to overcome initial friction with minimal force.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord system is designed to automatically tension and hold the telescopic segments in place during use without requiring active user intervention, yet allows easy release when the user intentionally applies force to detach segments, making the system self-regulating based on usage conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic cord is used to connect shaft members, then the cane can be folded for storage, but there is no stable hinge point for shaft pieces to rest when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord serves as a mediating element that not only connects shaft members but also provides a stable hinge point through its tension characteristics. The cord's elasticity allows it to accommodate the folded configuration while maintaining sufficient tension to hold the folded cane in a stable, compact position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the connection from rigid to flexible by using an elastic cord, allowing the cane to transition between extended and folded configurations. The cord's elastic properties enable stable positioning in both states by adjusting tension parameters according to the cane's configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional strap or enclosure is added to retain folded cane, then folded stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord performs multiple functions: it connects shaft members during use, enables folding by allowing segment separation, provides hinge stability when folded, and eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function that would traditionally require a separate strap or enclosure is merged into the elastic cord itself. The cord's inherent elasticity and tension properties provide both connection and retention functions in a single integrated element, simplifying the overall structure.
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 folding and deployment of the cane while maintaining stability and ease of use, particularly beneficial for users with reduced physical abilities, by ensuring the shafts remain securely locked during use and easily collapsible for storage.
Implementation Method 1
magnets imbedded into the side walls of the shaft portions
Implementation Method 2
spring biased slide tab allowing a user to unlock the hinge lock assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A folding cane with a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a third shaft member, a handle member, a foot member, a first hinge, a second hinge, a first hinge lock assembly and a second hinge lock assembly is disclosed. The handle member is attached to the top of the first shaft member. The first hinge member connects the first shaft member to the second shaft member. The second hinge member connects the second shaft member to the third shaft member. The foot member is attached to the bottom of the third shaft member. The hinge lock assemblies are capable of automatically locking the hinges when the folding cane is deployed to the use position and each hinge lock assembly includes a spring biased slide tab allowing a user to unlock the hinge lock assemblies when wanting to fold the cane into a compact stored configuration.