Self-Standing Cane Mount with Retractable Support Legs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Visually impaired individuals face the challenge of canes falling to the ground when not in use, necessitating a solution to maintain the cane in an upright position without leaning it against surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A stand-up mount feature for canes, featuring at least three legs that transition between retracted and engaged positions, allowing the cane to stand upright independently, which can be retrofitted or integrated as a permanent feature, and may include automatic actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cane is leaned against a table, wall, or chair, then the cane can be kept upright, but the cane may fall to the floor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupright position stabilityVSAvoidrisk of falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stand-up mount enables the cane to support itself independently without requiring external surfaces like tables or walls. The legs automatically extend to contact the floor and provide stable support, allowing the cane to stand upright by itself and eliminating the risk of falling when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a stand-up mount with three legs is added to the cane, then the cane can stand upright independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestand-up capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand-up mount is designed as a separate, modular component that can be attached to the cane. The three legs are segmented and can independently extend and retract, allowing the cane to gain stand-up capability without fundamentally redesigning the entire cane structure. This modular approach adds functionality while minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the legs are kept extended to provide support, then the cane remains stable, but the legs interfere with normal cane operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestand-up stabilityVSAvoidcane usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The legs are designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically transitioning between extended and retracted positions based on the cane's operational state. When the cane is being used for walking, the legs retract to avoid interference. When the cane is set down, the legs extend to provide stable support. This dynamic behavior resolves the conflict between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250281344A1Cane for the visually impaired having a stand-up mount feature

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 GEBEL RAQUEL R

AI summary

A cane comprises a pole structure and a stand-up mount. The pole structure has a handle and a tip. The stand-up mount has at least three legs that transition between a retracted position and an engaged position. The legs are nearer to the pole structure in the retracted position. The legs extend outwardly from the pole structure in the engaged position to permit the cane to stand upright on its own. The stand-up mount can be manually activated or it can include a battery-powered actuator to be automatically activated by the user.