White Cane

thingiverse

This project is still under development and isn't ready for printing yet. Please bear with my yellow "White" cane; I just couldn't resist (and I'm running out of white). The goal is to create a "White cane" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_cane) for the visually impaired, but I have no experience in designing disability assistance devices or working with the blind. However, I am open to feedback and willing to learn. I think the diameter is too wide and plan to make it thinner in the next version. If you have any ideas on the correct width, please share as I'm not sure how wide a standard white cane should be. You will need to print at least one handle and one end piece (a note of caution: the end piece ball may require a raft, as mine moved during printing - improvements are already planned). The design is modular, accommodating various users and cane styles. I initially thought two mid-segments would be suitable for a "Symbol Cane," but after testing, three might be better. For a "Guide Cane," at least four or five mid-segments would be needed, while a "Long Cane" could require six or more. The current design should not be used as a long cane, though, as the segments only use friction to hold together and the join might not be strong enough. I plan to add locking mechanisms in a future version - any suggestions for blind-friendly locks would be appreciated. I also intend to smooth out the mid-section in the next iteration. Lastly, this is my entry for the "Print to improve life quality" competition (http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?282,220067). Wish me luck!