Walking Cane Clamp With Constant-Force Spring for One-Hand Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking cane retention devices fail to securely attach canes to tables or chairs, leading to safety hazards and inconvenience, as they do not adequately accommodate varied shapes and thicknesses of projecting surfaces, require excessive manual effort, or do not prevent the cane from falling.
Innovation Solution
A portable, one-hand operable quick-release clamping device using a constant force spring and flexible pole clip to securely hold walking canes on surfaces up to five inches thick, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without requiring both hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-clamp style fixture with a thumb screw is used to secure the cane to the table, then the cane can be held firmly in position, but the device becomes difficult to operate with an arthritic hand or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp mechanism automatically generates clamping force through its own weight and spring tension, eliminating the need for manual tightening. The user simply needs to release the latch to secure the cane, making operation simple even for those with limited hand strength
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static threaded clamp to a dynamic spring-loaded system that automatically adjusts and maintains optimal clamping pressure without requiring manual intervention, adapting to different surface conditions automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is designed to accommodate varied shapes and thicknesses of projecting surfaces, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a fixed jaw, a movable spring-loaded jaw, and an independent latch system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while accommodating various surface shapes and thicknesses up to five inches
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with a universal jaw configuration that can engage with different surface geometries (flat, curved, thick, thin) through the spring-loaded mechanism's ability to self-adjust, making a single device suitable for multiple surface types without increasing complexity
3Device complexity
If a balancing device is used that relies on the cane's center of gravity, then the device is simple in structure, but the cane can be easily knocked over resulting in a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features a curved or contoured jaw design that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the cane, creating a secure mechanical interlock that prevents the cane from being knocked over, while maintaining overall device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the simplicity of a basic clamp with the security of a latch mechanism, combining multiple simple elements into a unified structure that provides both ease of use and reliable cane retention without overcomplicating the design
4Use of energy by moving object
If manual clamping pressure is used to secure the cane, then the device requires no additional power source, but the clamping result is only as strong as the user is able to squeeze the two devices together
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves itself by using its own elastic potential energy to generate continuous clamping force. The spring is pre-loaded to automatically exert sufficient pressure on the cane and surface, eliminating dependence on user strength while maintaining zero external power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during manufacturing or initial setup to store elastic energy that will be continuously applied as clamping force during operation, ensuring consistent and reliable holding strength without requiring active user input during use
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 securely maintains walking canes in place with minimal finger pressure, accommodating various surface shapes and sizes, preventing falls and ensuring safety by providing a stable and hygienic solution for cane storage.
Implementation Method 1
The inside of the vertical arm of the right angle bracket is attached to a constant force spring which applies clamping pressure to the underside of the projecting surface
Implementation Method 2
The underside of the horizontal arm of the right angle bracket has a deformable pad to increase attraction between the projecting surface and the right angle bracket
Data Source
AI summary
The cane clamp is a device for securely clamping a walking cane to a table, chair or any conventional, sturdy surface that is up to five inches thick. The cane clamp consists of a body configured to securely hold a tubular device such as a walking cane, a bracket which provides two planar contacts to a projecting surface, and a constant force spring which provides a third planar contact to a projecting surface. The end of the constant force spring is attached between the body and the bracket, and may be opened easily by a user, preferably with a single finger.