Department of
Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

He Lou

Prevent old people from falling, multifunctional composite walking stick

I choose this topic for research not only because falling will bring physical and psychological inconvenience to people of all ages, but also for my personal emotional reasons. My grandfather passed away due to a fall and complications, which was the original inspiration for me to choose this project. Preventing falls among the elderly, especially those over 65, has been a particular concern. For the prevention and intervention measures of this situation, each country has its own suggestions and intervention programs. However, under the implementation, falls still exist and occur with great frequency. In many families, to prevent the elderly from falling, handles are installed on the furniture, carpets are placed in the bathroom and kitchen, sponges and other soft items are wrapped in sharp places such as table corners. However, these are protective measures for fixed positions, and complete care cannot be achieved. 

Design Render 1
 

AI detection, furniture aids and walking aids are commonly used in the market to help the elderly reduce the risk of falls or injuries. After the interview and survey, the children of the elderly are more inclined to high-tech smart home system; But older people prefer the easy-operated crutches. Crutches give the elderly freedom of action and the ability to move autonomously but are not conducive to carrying things. Meanwhile, operating crutches need physical strength, not suitable for walking long distances.

In order to solve these problems, the design idea of the multi-functional walking stick emerged. A combination of walking aid and crutches, with small benches for placing heavy objects. The clamping force provided by the bolts and nuts tighten the connecting part with a bench. Detachable wheels, consistent with the 2-inch universal wheels which have the same structure as the office chair, can be easily steered. Grooves are mounted on the Rubber base to increase friction. Smooth outlines reduce danger. Minimize the number of parts and complex operation modes to simplify the use steps.

The adjustable height of 800-1300mm can meet 95% of the elderly using WALCHES. The removable Telescoping rod and Clamps are easy to clean and replace, and the smooth switch surface adds a comfortable touch when in use. Smooth ABS elbow support can be used with soft mat. In addition, the TPE handle shell is soft and easily deformable, which is conducive to meet ergonomics. The 500-lumen night flashlight helps the elderly see the ground at night, reducing the likelihood of falling at night.

Aluminium 6061-T6 can also be used in aerospace engineering because of its extremely high strength and low density, which can support as much weight as possible while keeping the material light and easy for the elderly to lift. The Spinning process plays an important role in making aluminium tubes with different cross sections. ABS thermoplastic materials can be recycled and have a life cycle of 5-10 years, and injection moulding is the main manufacturing process. LED bulbs can provide higher brightness with a smaller wattage.

He Lou's designs

Design Render 1

Design Render 1
Uploaded
Jun 24, 2022

Design Render 2

Design Render 2
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Jun 24, 2022

Design Render 3

Design Render 3
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Jun 24, 2022

Design Render 4

Design Render 4
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Jun 24, 2022

Design Render 5

Design Render 5
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Jun 24, 2022

Design Render 6

Design Render 6
Uploaded
Jun 24, 2022

 

He Lou

Student Biography

Les Barbapapa, a very creative cartoon I saw when I was a child, can probably be regarded as my design enlightenment. The progress of human society lies in the constant use and improvement of tools to transform life and change the way of life. Design is an important tool to achieve this process. It transforms abstract ideas and concepts into tangible objects. Product Design and Manufacture is a major that combines practice and theory. I can gradually transform my ideas into concrete designs and products through continuous iteration and learning knowledge of materials, manufacturing and production. That is what I want to achieve. In the process of learning, I gradually found myself more interested in the process of inspiration and material setting during rendering. Find problems in your life and get inspiration from organic organisms, existing products, large machines, music, words, paintings, etc. It is also a very interesting process, and I can use my observation to discover the mystery of life. In addition, PDM includes the knowledge of multiple disciplines, covering art and most of the subject knowledge, to meet the people-oriented concept.

I wish I could be a ART TOY designer or a medical device designer. The former can deliver more design concepts and ideas, while the latter can help more vulnerable groups and humans. Through art toy, I can express more personal ideas and styles without being limited by appearance. The design of medical equipment enables me to have a clearer understanding of the importance of health and the situation of various surgeries, and a new understanding of human health. It also allows me to do what I want to do to change the way people live through design.

  

 

 

 
 

 

Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering

The University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD


telephone: +44 (0) 115 95 14081