Telescopic Handrail With Magnetic Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly and infirm individuals face difficulty in navigating around a house, particularly when ascending or descending stairs, due to the lack of a stable handrail support at critical points like landings or transitions, leading to falls and potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic handrail with adjustable length and locking mechanisms, allowing secure attachment to fixed points, enabling strategic placement for stability during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length handrail is used, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but it cannot provide support at varying distances from the staircase
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail employs a telescopic mechanism with first and second telescoping members that can extend and retract to change length dynamically. The locking means include magnets that engage with apertures to secure the telescoping members at desired lengths, allowing the handrail to adapt to varying distances from the staircase while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The handrail is divided into multiple telescoping segments (first telescoping member and second telescoping member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the handrail to achieve variable lengths through controlled extension and retraction of individual segments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the telescoping members can freely slide relative to each other, then the handrail can be adjusted to any length, but it becomes difficult to maintain stable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates magnets that provide positional feedback and automatic stabilization. As the telescoping members extend or retract, the magnets detect and engage with corresponding apertures to lock the members at specific positions, ensuring stable placement while allowing full range of adjustment. The magnetic engagement provides continuous feedback to maintain reliability at any adjusted length.
3Reliability
If the handrail is secured at both ends, then the structure is stable, but it cannot be easily repositioned or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing devices incorporate releasable locking mechanisms that transition between secured and unsecured states. The second fixing device can be easily released to allow repositioning of the handrail, while the first fixing device provides stable anchoring when engaged. This dynamic locking system maintains reliability during normal use but enables easy repositioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism provides self-servicing functionality where the magnets automatically engage and disengage based on the position and movement of the telescoping members. This allows the handrail to maintain stable secured positions without manual intervention while enabling easy repositioning through simple movement that triggers automatic disengagement of the magnetic locks.
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
Provides adjustable support and stability for users, reducing the risk of falls by offering a secure handrail that can be positioned as needed, enhancing safety in various locations within a building.
Implementation Method 1
the locking means includes a magnet to releasably hold the first and second telescoping members in the first contract position
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic handrail that includes first and second telescoping members adapted to move from a first contracted position to a second expanded position. The telescoping members each having a free end and an opposing telescoping end. The handrail includes locking arrangement to releasably secure the telescoping members in the first contracted position. The handrail includes restraining arrangement to prevent the telescoping members from separating more than the second expanded position. The handrail includes a first fixing device to secure a free end of the first telescoping member to a fixed point. The handrail includes a second releasable fixing device to releasably secure a free end of the second telescoping member to a fixed point.