Redesign of Rolling Cane to Assist Independent Living 2

Overview

A large population around the world relies on walkers and canes on an everyday basis for a variety of conditions. Mobility aids can also provide positive psychological effects. Dr. Wayne Sebastinanelli of Penn State University College of Medicine believes that a rolling cane can address many of the shortcomings of a traditional cane. Our task was to redesign a rolling cane to aid patients in performing daily activities and improve their overall confidence of walking. 

Objectives

The objective of this project is to create a cane with a rolling capability to provide stability and balance assistance to users with mobility impairments by reassessing and improving upon a previously created rolling cane. 

Approach

– Research similar technologies and 2019 Capstone team cane

– Participate in sponsor meetings to collect customer needs and design feedback

– Identify customer needs and measurable metrics for determining best solution to specific sub-functions
 
– Create engineering specifications to be translated into a design

– Recognize potential risks for customers and created mitigation techniques

– Design and build a rolling cane using SolidWorks

– Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to the SolidWorks design

Outcomes

– A rolling cane was designed in SolidWorks using individually created parts and CAD versions of components from the manufacturer

– Test the rolling cane in SolidWorks with FEA applied

– 200lb force applied to the handle and was able to withstand

– 300lb force applied to the base at the two pressure points and there was no cracking

– Design specifications were met for the patients, shown by the FEA