Materials Testing in Long Cane Design: Sensitivity, Flexibility, and Transmission of Vibration
By Rodgers, Mark D.; Emerson, Robert Wall; Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Vol. 99, No. 11, pp. 696-706Publication Date: November 2005
Paper discusses the materials that are utilized when manufacturing long cane shafts, and focuses on the ability of different materials to transmit vibrations as well as their sensitivity to tactile information, flexibility, and durability. The researchers found that the less flexible a cane shaft is, the better it is for transmitting vibrations that are useful in determining surface textures. Shafts that are lighter in weight were also found to transmit energy at a higher natural frequency. A combination of decreased flexibility and increased durability seem to be the main factors in optimizing cane effectiveness in discriminating between surface characteristics.
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
