Problem Statement
People who commonly experience syncope/limited mobility often need to rely on others to stabilize them. If they faint, they might fall and injure themselves. Additionally, past aids such as benches are no longer as viable in the present, as both indoor and outdoor seating have decreased substantially following COVID-19. This reduction is partly due to shop owners hoping to decrease the spread of disease, as well as limit availability to homeless individuals (Nguyen, 2023). In open areas, surrounding assistance is fully unavailable, so the risk of fall-based damage from suddenly feeling faint/weak cannot be avoided. Many current designs for personal seating/support, like a cane or chair, are not easily portable, leading to potential accidents due to their inaccessibility.
Our Approach
Our goal was for the device to be used instantaneously by taking it out of the client’s bag/pocket and releasing the cane. The device will fully extend from its contracted state and give the person something to sit or lean on and use as support for standing. When extended, our device will also be able to contract back into its original state for ease of use and convenience. Our device aims to assist the individual physically through feeling safer traveling in open areas or walking short distances. Additionally, our device aims to mentally support the client by reducing the fear of not having a support system with them. Making the cane contractible to a small size allows for easy transportation, encouraging the client to bring it with them even if they do not experience symptoms very often, or cannot predict if they will be experiencing symptoms that day.
Prototype
B.U.N.J.E.E. is a set of metal rods connected with 3D printed PLA connectors. A handle was made using wood and attached to the top of the cane. The CAD models were modified to fit the aluminium. A bungee cord was run through the center of the aluminum segments and a TPU stopper was added at the end of the cane to allow for more friction with the ground, preventing slippage. The TPU stopper also included a divot in the face that inserts into the cane–parallel to the handle–to provide a greater surface area for attaching the tensioned bungee cord.
