Spring-Actuated Self-Supporting Crutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-standing orthopedic devices, such as crutches and walking sticks, are complex and costly to produce, and their motor-activated support legs may not be suitable for elderly patients who lack the necessary hand mobility, while also posing a risk of aggravating walking difficulties due to foot projection at the base.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting orthopedic device featuring a movable mechanism with elastomeric feet and a handle-activated kinematic mechanism that allows the device to transition between elongated and enlarged configurations, using elastic PVC or plastic polymer components to ensure stability and prevent breakage, and optionally including a removable LED light for improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor member is used to activate support legs for self-standing function, then the device becomes self-supporting, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor member (electromechanical system) with a purely mechanical spring-based system. The spring element stores potential energy when compressed and automatically releases it to deploy the support legs, eliminating the need for motors, batteries, and complex control circuits while achieving the same self-supporting function
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed to be automatically activated by the user's own weight when they lean on the crutch. The system serves itself by using the user's body weight to compress the spring, which then automatically deploys the support legs without requiring any additional power source or control system
2Reliability
If a motor member with shock absorber is added to prevent leg breakage, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves a dual function: it provides the deploying force for the support legs and simultaneously acts as a shock absorber to prevent leg breakage if accidentally stepped on. The cushioning effect is built into the basic structure from the beginning, eliminating the need for separate shock absorber components
3Reliability
If hand control mechanism is added to activate support legs, then the self-standing function is achieved, but elderly patients with limited hand mobility cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The system is activated automatically by the user's body weight when they lean on the crutch, eliminating the need for manual hand operation. The user simply needs to place their weight on the crutch to trigger the spring mechanism, which then automatically deploys the support legs
4Reliability
If the base feet are projected forward for self-standing stability, then the self-supporting capability is achieved, but the patient's leg may impact against the feet and aggravate walking difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed to be dynamically deployable rather than permanently projected. They fold along the rod during walking to avoid impeding the user's leg movement, and only extend outward when needed to provide self-standing stability. This dynamic configuration eliminates the harmful impact risk while maintaining self-supporting capability
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 device provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture solution for making existing crutches or sticks self-supporting, enhancing stability and safety by allowing users to easily switch between configurations and providing illumination for improved visibility, especially in low-light areas.
Implementation Method 1
The external surface of each lower element of each arm is advantageously coated with any one elastomeric material in order to increase the friction with the floor
Implementation Method 2
Said central spring consists of a common mechanical element adapted to be elastically deformed when subjected to a load and adapted to return to the initial configuration when released
Data Source
AI summary
A non-slip self-supporting orthopedic device includes: an upper disk slidably engaged with the rod and externally provided with a hinge; a lower disk, connected with the orthopedic device allowing the elastomeric foot to project downward, and externally provided with a hinge; and arms with upper element, lower element and spring adapted to hold the arm in folded configuration. The movable mechanism can take an enlarged configuration, in which the upper disk contacts the lower disk and the arms are folded. In an elongated configuration, the arms are in axial configuration following the pressing of a button connected to a kinematic mechanism causing the arms to take the axial configuration. The reversible connection system allows the reversible disconnection of the lower elements of the arms preselected by the hinge, determining the lifting of the entire arm in a vertical position by rotation around the hinge.