Linear Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorber Cane End

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Solution Overview

Problem

The regular use of canes and crutches can cause discomfort and worsen pain for individuals with conditions like arthritis due to the lack of effective shock absorption and ergonomic design in existing walking aids.

Innovation Solution

A walking cane equipped with a linear adjustable hydraulic shock absorber end, featuring a threaded terminal end, a spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorber, and a mounting barrel, which allows for interchangeable shock absorbers with varying dampening strengths and strokes to customize user comfort and reduce impact shock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cane or crutch is used for walking assistance, then mobility support is provided, but discomfort and pain worsen due to lack of shock absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact shockVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hydraulic shock absorber system consisting of a piston, cylinder, and hydraulic fluid that absorbs impact shocks through fluid pressure changes. When the cane tip strikes the ground, the piston moves within the cylinder, compressing the hydraulic fluid to dampen the shock force, thereby reducing impact transmission to the user's hand and arm while maintaining structural support functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that changes the mechanical parameters of the shock absorber system. The spring provides a variable resistance force that changes with compression, allowing the system to adapt to different impact magnitudes. This parameter change enables the shock absorber to provide optimal cushioning across various walking conditions while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed shock absorber is installed in the cane, then shock absorption is provided, but adaptability to different user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an adjustable shock absorber system where the piston rod can be positioned at multiple fixed lengths along the cylinder. This dynamic configuration allows users to adjust the shock absorption characteristics by selecting different piston rod extensions, thereby adapting the device to individual user requirements for shock mitigation and cane length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber system is divided into separable components including the piston, cylinder, and piston rod assembly that can be independently adjusted or replaced. The threaded connection mechanism allows for discrete adjustment of the piston rod position, enabling users to segment the adjustment process into specific, manageable increments rather than continuous variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The hydraulic shock absorber system significantly reduces discomfort by absorbing impact shocks, allowing for smoother movement and reduced friction during use, thereby improving user comfort and mobility.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic shock absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

The hydraulic shock absorber unit is spring loaded so that its normal position is extended

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12251356B2Cane with linear adjustable hydraulic shock absorber end
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 ALLEN WALTER D
  • US12251356B2 patent drawing
  • US12251356B2 patent drawing
  • US12251356B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A novel end assembly for canes and other walking aids having a linear adjustable hydraulic shock absorber threaded into the distal end of the cane and facility for mounting various cane and walking aid ends.