Walking Aid Arrangement Detachable Coupling for Stable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aids with independently standing mechanisms have a large footprint, making them unstable, difficult to store near walls or furniture, and prone to being knocked over, while existing solutions are complex, costly, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A walking aid arrangement where two identical walking aids are detachably fastened to each other using a grip element and floor support, forming at least three support points to create a stable, compact unit that can stand independently, utilizing magnetic or Velcro connections for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If walking aids are designed with independently standing mechanisms (tripod function), then they can stand independently, but the device complexity increases and the standing area becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two walking aids into a single storage unit by attaching them together. The first walking aid and second walking aid are coupled to form a stable structure that stands independently without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. This merging approach achieves independent standing capability while keeping the device simple and cost-effective.
2Stability of the object's composition
If walking aids are designed with independently standing mechanisms (tripod function), then they can stand independently, but the standing area becomes large which increases the risk of being knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
By coupling two walking aids together, the patent creates a compact storage unit with a reduced standing area compared to traditional tripod mechanisms. The combined structure distributes weight across multiple contact points (floor support element and grip element), achieving stability while minimizing the space occupied and reducing the risk of being accidentally knocked over.
3Stability of the object's composition
If walking aids are designed with independently standing mechanisms (tripod function), then they can stand independently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves independent standing capability by simply coupling two existing walking aids together using fastening means, rather than manufacturing a complex tripod mechanism. This approach is more cost-effective as it utilizes existing components and simple attachment mechanisms (such as Velcro, magnets, or clips) instead of requiring complex mechanical parts, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining stability.
4Ease of operation
If walking aids are stored by leaning against walls or furniture, then they can be stored temporarily, but they may slide or be knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples two walking aids together to form a self-standing storage unit that does not require leaning against walls or furniture. The coupled structure creates multiple contact points with the floor (floor support element and grip element), providing inherent stability and preventing sliding or knocking over, while maintaining ease of storage and retrieval.
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and stable way for walking aids to stand independently with a reduced footprint, ensuring safety and ease of storage near furniture, while maintaining ease of use and retrofitting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The detachable fastening of the walking aids to one another takes place using the fastening means provided for this purpose... a magnetic connection between the walking aids that are fastened to one another has proven to be particularly safe and reliable
Implementation Method 2
A particularly cost-effective, detachable attachment of the two walking aids to one another can be implemented using a Velcro connection (Velcro® connection)
Implementation Method 3
An anti-slip rubber is known from DE 20 2013 003 248 U1, with which the outside of the rod-shaped support body is coated in order to prevent the walking aid from slipping off the edge of a table, the edge of a worktop or a wall
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a walking aid arrangement (1) comprising two walking aids (2, 3), each comprising a rod-shaped support body (4) with a longitudinal extension (5) and two opposing end sections (6, 7). A handle element (8) with a transverse extension (9) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension (5) of the support body (4) is arranged on a first end section (6), and a floor support element (10) is arranged on a second end section (7).In order to enable the walking aid arrangement (1) to stand independently when required, it is proposed that fastening means (12) for the detachable attachment of the second end section (7) of a second walking aid (3) be arranged on the first end section (6) of a first walking aid (2), and that fastening means (15) for the detachable attachment of the first end section (6) of the second walking aid (3) be arranged on the second end section (7) of the first walking aid (2), so that after one of the walking aids (2; 3) is turned upside down and the first walking aid (2) is detachably attached to the other walking aid (3) by means of the handle element (8) of the turned walking aid (2; 3) and the base support element (10) of the other walking aid (3; 2), at least three support points (17, 18) are available on which the walking aid arrangement (1) stands on the ground.