Multifunctional Cane with Asymmetric Handles for Fall Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support and mobility assistive devices are overly complex, not easily transportable, and fail to provide effective fall prevention and recovery assistance, particularly for individuals at high risk of falls due to age, health issues, or disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional cane with adjustable elongated shafts, multiple handles, and a hooking mechanism that is portable, easy to use, and configurable for different heights and abilities, allowing for stability support, fall prevention, and assistance with recovery, including the ability to reach distant objects and reposition the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for fall prevention, mobility assistance, and recovery, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assistive devices (cane, transfer device, recovery device) into a single integrated apparatus. The unified structure integrates a shaft with multiple handles positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing the device to serve multiple functions including walking assistance, transfer support, and fall recovery without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: it provides stability support during walking, assists with transfers from sitting to standing, and enables self-recovery after a fall. The multiple handles and shaft configuration allow the same device to adapt to different user needs and situations
2Reliability
If specialized recovery equipment is provided, then fall recovery capability is improved, but ease of operation and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables users to perform fall recovery independently without requiring assistance from others. The handles are positioned and configured to allow a user who has fallen to grip the device and use their own body weight and strength to pull themselves back to an upright position, achieving self-rescue
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable configuration options are added to fit different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs asymmetric handle positioning where handles are located at different distances from the shaft end and at different angular orientations. This asymmetric configuration allows the device to accommodate various user heights, strengths, and mobility needs without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as each user can naturally select the handle that best fits their individual requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method directed to provide multifunctional capabilities to assist persons dealing with issues such as, for example, balance issues, health issues, recovery issues with matters such as fall prevention, fall recovery, mobility, reaching and moving objects, getting dressed, and transfer assistance. The apparatus may include components such as one or more elongated shafts, a plurality of handles, a hooking mechanism, and a stabilizer all of which may be configured to assist with such mobility and movement uses.