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.Engineering Goal
People of all ages and conditions can experience mobility issues due to joint problems, muscle weakness, and neurological difficulties. These can significantly hinder their ability to move independently and complete daily tasks. Running errands, for example, can be especially difficult for someone who has a walking-related mobility impairment as support is not always guaranteed. Having a product that can support the user at any given time will alleviate the dangers of going out by supporting the user when they suddenly feel like they are experiencing an episode.Prototype
B.U.N.J.E.E. (Balance Utility Navigational Joints with Elastic Expansion)
This design is a set of metal rods connected in series by a bungee cord. By pulling the cord, the vertical tension force brings together the rods, forming the body of the cane. Between each rod is a 3D printed connector, chamfered to guide the following stage to align. A 3D-printed TPU stop sits at the end of the cane. The TPU stop increases friction with the ground, preventing slippage.
