Capstone Project - Stair Cane

Rami Ayari & Ryu Fujii

Whats the problem?
Elderly people in homes and apartments all around the world are at high risk of
getting injured when they go up or down stairs by themselves. In fact, 30% of people
over age 65 and 50 over age 80 will fall once during the next year (Problems for
Elderly). This can be attributed to the loss of bone density, muscle mass, and joint
strength as a human being gets older, making it harder for them to go up and down a
flight of stairs.
Why is the problem important?
Fall injuries lead to high costs
Elderly injuries could lead to fatalities
Stairs can cause joint pain & issues
Issues with climbing stairs = less mobility
Current & Past Solutions
Stair Lift (expensive/hassle) Dual Stair Step Walker (inefficient/unsafe)
Current & Past Solutions
Stair Chair (unsafe/complicated) Stair Brace (inefficient/expensive)
Our Solutions
Bungee Support
1. User attaches to bungee extending from ceiling
2. Bungee adds huge spring to each step
3. Needs separate installation
Our Solutions
Stair Cane
1. Looks like regular cane with added block
2. User steps on block and then stair
3. The block reduces impact force
Our Solutions
Stair Boot:
1. Worn like a regular boot
2. Uses springs to add bounce to each step
3. Easy to use, medium price, comfortable
Solution Justification
Stair cane chosen as final solution

Bungee support is too expensive

Stair boot is not very effective
Cane easiest to carry and use

Does the stair cane solve the problem?

Reduces knee impact force, helping vital joints

Handle/cane protects against falls
Easy use and storage/portability saves user hassle
Prototype Design (Research)
Stair Dimensions Code

7 3/4 inches in height (max)

36 inches in width (max)
4 1/2 inches in projection (max)

Materials for Cane

Aluminum (very strong, very expensive)

Wood (not very strong, very cheap)
PVC [chosen] (medium price, medium/high strength)
Prototype Design (Research)
Elderly Person Average Weight

170 - 180 pounds

Competition Pricing

Stair Lift: 1,200$ - $6,300

Dual Step Stair Walker: Pricing not available
Stair Chair: ~400$
Stair Brace: Pricing not available
EZ Step Stair Cane: 55$ - 100$
Prototype Design
Prototype Design
Prototype Design
Operation Maintenance

Compatible with all-weathers No electrical/mechanical components

No pushing down on cane Epoxy allows for permanent/strong
Left + right hand compatible connections
Sustains weights up to 300 lbs PVC eliminates rust issues
3 year warranty
Prototype Construction
During construction, we

Printed handle using 3D printer

Cut PVC to 3.5 ft using jigsaw
Attached handle to PVC using epoxy
Nailed two wooden blocks together to make block
Nailed PVC pipe to the block
Prototype Construction
Prototype Construction
All parts are permanently attached; no temporary rigging
Block matches stair tolerances
Prototype dimensions/look matches prototype drawings
Prototype Testing
Weight/Speed/Safety Test Procedures

1. Gather 5 people of various ages

2. Measure weight of each person
3. Each person climbs 10 stairs up & down w/o cane
4. Each person climbs 10 stairs up & down with cane (2 trials)
5. Measure speed of each person during every trial
6. Record any safety issues/observations
Prototype Testing
Weight/Speed/Safety Test Results

Test Subject Age (yrs) Weight (lbs) Stair speed Trial 1 stair Trial 2 stair Trial 1 safety Trial 2 safety
w/o cane speed speed issues issues
(steps/sec) (steps/sec) (steps/sec)

1 17 205.5 1.83 .48 .44 Block caught None

under stair

2 25 184.0 1.81 .35 .37 None None

3 43 195.0 1.56 .45 .48 None None

4 67 172.5 1.39 .31 .29 None Slight stumble

5 50 140.0 1.47 .34 .36 None None

Prototype Testing
Force Test Procedures

1. Obtain metal rod and 45 pound plate

2. Hit handle with metal rod at 75% strength
3. Push plate against handle with 75% strength
4. Hit the cane with metal rod at 100% strength
5. Push plate against cane with 75% strength
6. Record deformations/issues during each test
Prototype Testing
Force Test Results

Force Testing Device Handle Observations Cane Observations

Metal Rod Handle became slightly Cane maintained sturdiness

looser and misaligned and linear state

45 pound plates Handle became even Cane maintained sturdiness

looser, and bent a little and linear state
Prototype Testing
Comfort Test/Survey Procedures

1. Gather 5 subjects from weight/speed test

2. Allow each subject to use cane for 5-10 mins
3. Give each test subject the comfort survey
4. Record percentage of positive answers for each user
Prototype Testing
Comfort Test/Survey Results

Test Subject Percentage of Positive Answers (%)

1 80

2 80

3 70

4 80

5 90
Design Modifications
Weight/Speed/Safety Test Modifications

Turn handle inward for left-handed users

Extend block width

Force Test Modifications

Secure handle further

Add more epoxy to handle-cane area

Comfort Test Modifications

Very positive results - no modifications

Sources/References
http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/landservices/documents/STAIRWAYSECTION.pdf

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/327589

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/327589

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435934438906110741/

https://www.google.com/patents/US5499645

https://www.wwemsequip.com/stair-chairs-c6056
Questions