Vacuum-Held Forearm Crutch for Self-Standing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forearm crutches are unsuitable for stable self-standing on surfaces and often require user intervention to prevent tipping, posing safety risks and discomfort, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A forearm crutch design featuring a support tube with a base element generating vacuum pressure to secure it upright, adjustable height, and counterweights to balance the center of gravity, allowing independent standing without external support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classic forearm crutch design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the crutch cannot stand upright on its own and requires frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by incorporating a vacuum generation device that creates negative pressure between the base element and the supporting surface. This vacuum mechanism allows the crutch to adhere to the surface and maintain upright stability without requiring complex mechanical support structures or frequent user intervention.
2Reliability
If the base support element diameter is increased to improve stability, then the crutch can stand more securely, but the device becomes bulkier and less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the base diameter mechanically, the patent uses pneumatic adhesion through vacuum pressure. The base element creates a seal with the supporting surface and generates negative pressure, producing sufficient holding force with a compact diameter of 50-80 mm, thus maintaining maneuverability while achieving stability.
3Reliability
If counterweights are added to balance the center of gravity, then the crutch stands more upright independently, but the device becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy counterweights with a pneumatic vacuum system. The vacuum generation device creates adhesive force between the base and supporting surface, providing upright stability through negative pressure rather than gravitational counterbalancing, thus reducing overall device weight while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the vacuum holding mechanism is activated, then the crutch is secured to the floor and cannot tip over, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vacuum generation device with a pump and control valve integrated into the crutch structure. This pneumatic system creates a vacuum between the base element and floor, providing secure anti-tipping protection through negative pressure adhesion without requiring complex mechanical locking or support structures.
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
Ensures stable, self-standing operation on various surfaces, reducing user intervention and preventing accidental falls, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a holding device for generating a vacuum between the base support element and a floor when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the base support element, in order to hold the forearm crutch upright on the floor and to secure it against tipping over
Data Source
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AI summary
A forearm crutch is proposed comprising a support tube (100) with a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end; a handgrip (130); and a forearm support (140) arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the support tube (100); and a base support element (150) arranged at the lower end of the support tube (120). A holding device (200) for generating a vacuum between the base support element (150) and a floor (102) is further provided. The vacuum is generated when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the base support element (150) to hold the forearm crutch upright on the floor (102) and to prevent it from tipping over. The holding device (200) includes a pump (270) and an actuating element (210) for actuating or activating the pump (270).