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Self stabilizing walking stick (Materials (wood - Wood is the easiest…
Self stabilizing walking stick
Height ?
up to 1.25 m when extended
up to 1.5 m when extended
1 m
Is it suitable for users height?
people above 5 ft
Asthetics
Will color scheme be suitable for user?
Must have good user satisfaction: The product is up to the users standards, each part functioning correctly and aesthetics are pleasing.
Will user have any problems ?
the handle might turn with the users hand when placed on the ground therefore a lock will be put into place so as the user presses down on the stick the handle locks. When the user removes their hand or reduces pressure on the stick, then the handle will unlock and can rotate around.
Would the handle suit the users hand shape?
Grip shape
Cushion
Style of cane. The handle of the walking stick can be different styles such as in the style of an arched cane, or flat horizontal, or horizontal with engraved arches for your fingers.
weight
0.75 kg - 1.25kg
0.5 kg - 1 kg
will user be able to carry it without any problem? There must be a suitable weight when the user walks around with the walking stick so that it doesn't discomfort them with stress that it might snap or the material isn't strong enough.
how heavy is the base? The weight of the walking stick must not be too heavy for the user to move around in else it can tire them out.
0.5 kg
0.75 kg
1.0 kg
Materials
wood - Wood is the easiest material to manufacture the walking stick but it also is an insulator of heat and electricity. Wood such as ash or oak can be used for the poles of the walking stick because they are strong and durable wood types.
metal weight - Metal weight would cost a reasonable amount of money to buy compared to the wood or plastic. The metal weight is a conductor of electricity and heat if in contact, therefore insulation tape must be stuck over it tot prevent anything from happening. It can be used towards the bottom of the walking stick where the ferrule is to add weight to the bottom.
plastic - Light weight and can be reinforced in the inside. If certain parts of the walking stick were 3D printed, this concept could be put into place.
elastic bungee rope - This can be used for when the user would like to retract their walking stick so the length must be reasonable and must be able to stretch and contract. The diameter of the rope must not be too wide because it might come into contact with the inside of the wood.
Screws - Can be used to tightly secure external components to the walking stick, for example the gyro stabilising mechanism. The screws are metallic but there is a high chance that nothing would happen if the user touches them if it has been in contact of heat or electricity because the size of the screws are very small.
Varnish - Provides contrast to the product and looks pleasing to the user's eye.
tools being used
Sanding disk - Can be used to sand down wood or plastic to refine them and give them a smooth feel. This can also be used to remove any excess material from a wood component that has a chipped edge.
3D printer - Can be used to print off parts of the walking stick which are difficult to be made by hand, for example the handle.
Reciprocating saw - Can be used to cut pieces of wood which are of small size. This type of electrical saw can be used if i was making the handle of the walking stick out of wood.
Drill - Drills can be used for making the inside of the pole hollow. The size of the screw being used can be very large to allow a lot of weight to be reduced from the walking stick if there is too much (when drilling).
How safe is it?
Will the walking stick harm the user in any way?
If it gets in the hands of children, will it harm them in any way? - any sharp edges, or loose parts and gaps within the product.
is it child friendly? - If the product afflicts any damage or hazard towards young children if in the hand of them, then a safety check must be reviewed to help nothing bad to happen.
Are there any sharp pieces?Any sharp pieces can act as a hazard towards the user and anyone else who gets in contact with that certain area of the walking stick. One way to resolve this issue if there is any sharp pieces is to sand them.
Durability
Will the base break easily? Instead of using light less durable wood, use hard strong woof which can uphold and withstand excessive pressure. this can be by using ash or oak wood. If the walking stick is hollow and can not withstand a high amount of pressure, then the consequences of this are that it can snap and potentially make the user fall over.
Does it conduct electricity? If the materials on the exterior of the stick can pass electricity though it, then this provides a hazard to the user who is holding the walking stick because they are in danger of getting electric shocked and/or burned. Materials which act as insulators of electricity, such as plastic, rubber or wood would protect the user from any of the dangers described above
Does it expel heat? The product must not be conductible with heat and must not contain any materials on the outside that could potentially burn the user.
Price
budget
The budget being spent to manufacture the product must be under half of what it is going to be sold for. for example keeping a budget of £15
£20 - £50 - The price of which the walking stick must e sold for must be more than the money spent to manufacture it in order to make a profit.