Interconnected Canes Nested Structure for Stability and Hand Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility aids, such as canes and crutches, lack versatility and often require both hands for support, leading to instability and inconvenience when needing to use one hand for other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A set of two interconnected canes that can seamlessly combine into a single structure for enhanced stability and safety, with ergonomic handles and a locking mechanism allowing quick conversion between configurations such as a single cane, forearm crutch, or two-handled stand-up cane, ensuring secure and intuitive use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two canes are used for support, then stability is improved, but both hands are occupied and one hand cannot be free for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where one cane (inner cane) is placed inside another cane (outer cane). The inner cane has a hollow shaft that receives the outer cane, allowing the two canes to be stored in a compact nested configuration. This enables the user to carry both canes without occupying both hands simultaneously, as they can be stored in one hand or attached to a belt, while still providing dual-cane support when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two canes are connected side-by-side to form a single structure, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mobility aid into two separate but complementary cane units (inner cane and outer cane), each with its own shaft and handle. These segmented canes can function independently when separated, or combine to form a more stable nested structure when connected. This segmentation allows the user to have the option of using one cane or two canes depending on the situation, without requiring a permanently complex interconnected structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow shaft is used to accommodate another cane, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mobility aid system where the inner cane with its hollow shaft can accommodate the outer cane, forming a nested configuration. The same inner cane can also function independently as a standalone cane. The hollow shaft design allows the system to adapt between single-cane and dual-cane modes, providing multi-functionality. The handles are designed to be universally compatible, allowing the user to grip either the inner cane handle or the outer cane handle depending on which configuration is being used.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for aiding mobility of a user comprises inner and outer shafts each having a grip projecting transversely therefrom. The inner shaft is receivable in the hollow outer shaft and a locking mechanism is provided for securing the inner shaft in fixed relation to the outer shaft in a manner providing a plurality of configurations of the apparatus. Generally speaking, the configurations of the apparatus include a nested configuration in which the inner shaft is substantially entirely received in the outer shaft so as to present the grips in close proximity to one another, and an extended configuration in which the inner shaft projects along an axis of the apparatus beyond a top of the outer shaft so that the grips are in axially spaced relation. The inner and outer shafts may also be separated so that each forms a separate cane for use in one hand of the user.