Self-Raising Walking Cane With Remote Upright Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking canes do not assist users in positioning themselves upright when lying on the ground, leading to difficulties in independent daily activities and potential negative impacts on mental health, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A walking cane system equipped with a remote control device that sends a communication signal to a motorized mechanism, allowing the cane to automatically raise from a horizontal to a vertical position using elongated members, elastic cords, and return springs, enabling users to interact with the cane without physical maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional walking cane is used, then the cane provides support for users, but the user cannot pick up the cane from the ground due to mobility afflictions
Solution Approach 1:
The walking cane is equipped with a motor system that enables it to raise itself from a horizontal position on the ground to a vertical upright position automatically. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the user to manually pick up the cane, directly resolving the technical contradiction by providing both ease of operation and automatic positioning capability.
2Extent of automation
If a motor system is added to enable automatic raising, then the cane can position itself upright, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is integrated within the shaft of the walking cane, with the elongated members nested inside the shaft. The motor, elongated members, elastic cords, and return springs are arranged in a compact nested configuration that minimizes external complexity while enabling automatic raising functionality. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing automatic raising capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic cords and return springs are introduced as intermediary elements that mediate between the motor system and the shaft. These intermediaries store and release energy to assist in the raising motion, reducing the complexity burden on the motor system itself while achieving the desired automatic positioning function.
3Extent of automation
If elongated members are used to push the cane upright, then the raising function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated members are designed to change their physical state from a compressed configuration inside the shaft to an extended configuration during the raising process. This parameter change (from compressed to extended) enables the raising function while using simple, manufacturable components that can be produced through standard manufacturing processes.
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 users to independently manage daily activities by allowing the walking cane to position itself upright, enhancing independence and mental well-being by eliminating the need for manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
The motor system is configured to drive the elongated members to push and lift the walking cane
Implementation Method 2
one or more elasticized cords and one or more return springs within the shaft, the one or more elasticized cords and the one or more return springs in communication with the one or more elongated members to move the one or more elongated members
Data Source
AI summary
A walking cane system including of a remote control device having a user interface and a first transmission system; and a walking cane having a shaft configured with a proximal end and a distal end, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, a base coupled to the distal end of the shaft, one or more elongated members housed within the shaft, a second transmission system, and a motor system; wherein the actuation of remote control device causes the walking cane to raise itself into a vertical, upright orientation.