Walking Device Orientation Sensor Movable Arm Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking devices like canes and crutches are difficult for individuals with impaired physical conditions to pick up after they fall, as they require bending, and existing solutions are either overly complex or unreliable, such as mechanical designs or voice-activated mechanisms that may not function well in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A walking device equipped with an orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer, that detects when it has fallen and triggers a movable arm to rise, allowing users to lift it without bending, using a motor drive assembly, locking device, and grab-assisting structure, which can be easily attached to existing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complicated mechanical system is used to raise the cane when dropped, then the cane can be retrieved without bending, but the device becomes too complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of raising the cane by using a simple spring-loaded mechanism with a single movable arm, rather than incorporating complex mechanical systems. The spring mechanism is extracted from the main body and positioned to automatically deploy when the cane is dropped, providing retrieval functionality with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cane is divided into functional segments: a stationary body, a movable arm, and a spring mechanism. The movable arm is segmented from the main structure, allowing it to independently respond to gravity and spring force when the cane is dropped, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining retrieval capability.
2Ease of operation
If a voice-activated mechanism with three prongs is used, then the cane can be opened automatically, but the design becomes complicated and voice recognition may fail in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cane employs a self-service mechanism where the spring-loaded movable arm automatically deploys when the cane is dropped, eliminating the need for voice commands or external control. The system uses gravity and spring force to automatically raise the cane, making it reliable without requiring user input or sophisticated recognition systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex voice-activated mechanical systems with a simpler gravity-based mechanical mechanism. Instead of using voice recognition to trigger a multi-prong opening mechanism, the invention uses a spring-loaded arm that automatically responds to the physical act of dropping the cane, substituting electronic/control-based systems with purely mechanical ones.
3Extent of automation
If three prongs are installed on the walking device, then automatic opening is achieved, but the device design is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automation function into a single movable arm mechanism rather than distributing it across three prongs. The spring-loaded arm is extracted from the main structure and positioned to automatically deploy when the cane is dropped, providing automated retrieval with minimal structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the cane open up like an umbrella with multiple prongs, the invention inverts the approach by using a single movable arm that swings into position. The arm is locked in place when not in use and automatically swings to the retrieval position when the cane is dropped, achieving automation through a simpler inverted mechanism.
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
Enables users to easily retrieve a fallen walking device without bending, improving accessibility and reliability compared to previous solutions, with the movable arm being lightweight and flexible to avoid damage.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, such as an accelerometer, is incorporated into the walking device to sense an orientation of the walking device. The accelerometer produces electronic signals indicating these measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved walking device is disclosed wherein the walking device comprises an elongated body that is more than one foot in length, a movable arm coupled to the elongated body, a power source, and a first sensor, and wherein the first sensor is capable of detecting an orientation of the walking device and producing an electronic signal based on the orientation, and wherein the electronic signal is capable of at least partially causing a movement of the movable arm.