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Engineering Proposal

Kriston Waugh

Department of English, City College of New York

ENGL 21007: Writing for Engineers

Engineering Proposal Cane-Pal: A Proposal Essay

Octavio C., Amir J., Denny G., Yandel N., Krison W.

Professor Sara Jacobson

April 21, 2025

Introduction

For centuries, the cane has been a monumental support tool for people with mobility and visual impairments. Traditional canes tend to fall short in several areas, offering limited assistance with avoiding vehicle collisions, hazardous object detection, and rough terrain navigation. Rough terrains often include cracked sidewalks, steep inclines, and shifting rocks, further exacerbating the risk of harm towards users. Although there have been innovations to improve on the traditional cane design, a majority of current cane brands lack sufficient additions to address the ever-present negative effects. Furthermore, current cane brands are often riddled with unreasonable additions, and are often unaffordable to most people. The goal of our product Cane-Pal is to allow users with disabilities to feel safe in an environment with greater movement control with an AI-powered adjustable cane. Cane-Pal is made to fit users’ needs and addresses the concerns of traditional canes, implementing technological advancements designed to improve mobility, safety, and overall convenience.

Technical Description

There are various major components needed to create a single Cane-Pal unit, with each component organized into the following sections: The Exterior Shell, and the Interior Core. The following information will include images of each material used for production, with additional references to model diagrams of a Cane-Pal prototype.

Exterior Components

Tonkin Bamboo
The Exterior Shell is composed mainly of Tonkin bamboo. Tonkin bamboo is an ideal material due to its exceptional durability and high strength-to-weight ratio. In addition, Tonkin bamboo proves to be a fast-growing renewable resource, making the material environmentally sustainable and ensuring long-term brand production. Tonkin bamboo logs are carved in a manner to ensure an ergonomic, comfortable grip handle for users. 

Furthermore, additional bamboo is connected to a series of extendable ring sections with water-resistant polyester around the cane’s mid section (See Figure 4). The extra bamboo would allow users to effectively adjust the length of the cane, reaching measurements of that of a standard mobility cane. At the bottom of a Cane-Pal unit lies an adjustable tip made up of Tonkin bamboo. The adjustable tip is carved into a geometrical pattern of grooved convex and concave sections. The geometrical pattern allows for the Cane-Pal firm grip across a multitude of different surfaces, offering great stability for users (See Figure 5).

Figure 1

Note: Small Tonkin Bamboo Pole for Bamboo Fence of a Garden Villa/Bamboo Branch. (2025).

Made-In-China.com

USB Type-C Female Module

Between the handle and the cane’s midsection lies a dual charging system consisting of slim built-in solar panels and a USB Type-C female port module (See Figure 4). The main purpose of a dual charging system is to extend the battery life of a Cane-Pal unit, while also reducing user dependency on external power sources. The USB Type-C female port module is capable of delivering immense amounts of electrical delivery – up to 100 watts – while also preventing overheating risks to the inner electrical system.

Figure 2

Note: Chenyang USB C DIY Connector USB 3.1 Type C 24 Pin Female Socket Port Repair

Replacement Solder Adapter with PCB Board : Electronics. (2025). Amazon.com

Solar Panels

To further meet the need of user convenience – even in dire situations of low reserve power – Cane-Pal features built-in solar panel technology. A series of 15 watt factor-form solar panels is attached to the front of the cane (See Figure 4), converting sunlight into electrical energy through a process called the photovoltaic effect. The main component of these solar panels are its solar cells: miniature cells made of polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon known for semiconductor properties. When a Cane-Pal unit is placed in a position with direct sunlight, users are guaranteed that their cane charges at a fast rate. In cases where either part of the dual charging system is externally damaged, Cane-Pal ensures users of reliable charging.

Figure 3

Note: Light Weight High Quality Small Solar Module 0.15W 5V Solar Panel for Toy Solar Charger. (2025).

Made-In-China.com 

Figure 4

Note: Drawing of the top half exterior of a Cane-Pal unit  (Image created by Octavio C.) 

Figure 5 

Note: Bottom view of the cane tip, showcasing groove pattern (Image created by Octavio C.)

Interior Components

Grade 304 Stainless Steel

For the Interior Core of a Cane-Pal unit, stainless steel – specifically Grade 304 stainless steel was chosen as the main construction material (See Figure 10). Grade 304 stainless steel is known for its unique properties, including but not limited to high corrosion resistance, effortless production malleability, and superb maintenance. When a batch of stainless steel is produced and ready for further processing, a majority of the batch is used to create several cylindrical cores, with the remaining amount dedicated to reinforcing the flat ends and wire openings.

Figure 6

Note: Stainless Steel Tubes ASTM A213 TP304 Steel Tubes. (2025). Stainless-Sheets.com

Carbon Fiber Sheets

Carbon fiber is the secondary material, and is set to line the inner walls of the internal core, thereby providing additional structural support for the inner electrical system (See Figure 10). Carbon fiber possesses properties such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, high temperature resistance, and water resistance, thereby mitigating the risk of inner electrical systems from malfunctioning due to overheating, short-circuiting, and other external pressures.

Figure 7

Note: MM Carbon Fiber Sheets 100% 3K Twill Matte Carbon Fiber Plate : Industrial & Scientific (2025). Amazon.com

Raspberry Pi Zero 2

Inside the inner core lies the main components of Cane-Pal’s electrical systems. To begin with, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 is an ultra-compact single-board system designed with artificial intelligence capabilities (See Figure 10). The system is a perfect addition to Cane-Pal due to its small size, incredible processing speed, and low energy consumption. In addition, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 system is capable of administering multiple accessories, each dedicated to enhancing user experience. For example, the system can provide real-time navigation cures, an emergency SOS system, and audible feedback assistance, either relaying information through a HUD screen on the cane’s grip or through embedded navigational sensors around the grip and cane tip.

Figure 8

Note: Aufranc (CNXSoft), J.-L. (2021, October 29). Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W mini review – Benchmarks and thermal performance – CNX Software

Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3

A major accessory that is accessed by the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 system is the Raspberry Pi camera module 3 (See Figure 10). The Raspberry Pi camera module 3 is a high performance compact camera made to work effortlessly with other Raspberry Pi motherboards, connecting with a 22 pin-ribbon cable using a MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2. The module offers a 5.6mm focal length and 3.04 wide-angle, perfect for detecting moving objects and safety hazards, even in low-lighting environments. Additional features include the camera module’s low energy consumption, compact form-factor, and its compatibility with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 system.

Figure 9

Note: Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3. (2024). CanaKit

Lithium Battery

In order for the Raspberry Pi systems to function, a lithium-ion ten-thousand mAh battery pack is connected, capable of gathering electricity from the dual charging system (See Figure 10). A lithium-ion rechargeable battery is an electromechanical power source used in portable electronics, energy storage systems, and industrial applications. The battery operates due to the reversible movement of lithium ions between cathodes and anodes by a lithium-salt electrolyte during charging and discharging sessions.

Figure 10


Note: MakerFocus 1pcs 3.7V 10000mAh Lithium Polymer Rechargeable Battery with Integrated Protective Board, Insulation Coating and PH2.0 Plug for Raspberry Pi Battery Pack (2025). Amazon.com 

Figure 11

Note: Internal view of the CanePal unit (Image created by Octavio C.)

Spring System

Underneath the rechargeable lithium-ion battery lies Cane-Pal’s spring system. The spring system is made of two parts: a spring plunger and a compression spring. A spring plunger -made from stainless steel-would apply pressure and lock the compression spring underneath, holding it in a shortened length. The compression spring would remain in a shortened state until the user requests the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 system to send a signal to the spring plunger. The compression spring would then extend to a favorable position, moving the expandable ring sections, ultimately extending the length of the cane. 

Figure 12

Note: Right-Side View of Interior Spring System (Image created by Octavio C.)

Manufacturing/Production Cost

To determine the cost of a single Cane-Pal unit, we must assess the wholesale prices of all major components. The cost of Tonkin bamboo, brought from the company, MasterGarden, would be $5.08 per 8 feet of Tonkin bamboo, with a common production time of three days (Bamboo Pole, 2025). For the dual charging system, the cost per USB Type-C female module would be around $0.47 per module, while the cost per small form-factor solar panel would be $6.47 (AliExpress, 2025). The production time for the USB port module would estimate around around five days, while the solar panels would estimate around three months. 

In regards to the metallic core, the manufacturing company, Sparsh Impex offers Grade 304 stainless steel at a rate of $93.30 per cubic feet. Despite the Grade 304 stainless steel being the most expensive material, the company is capable of producing a set amount in a mere twelve hours (Sparsh Impex, 2018). For the lining of the metallic core, FiberGlass Supply offers $40 per 50 square-inch set of carbon fiber rolls, with an optimal production time of seven hours (FiberGlass Supply, 2025). Furthermore, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 model system, the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3, and the lithium-ion battery would be sold by the same company, with a total combined cost at approximately $60 (Raspberry Pi, 2025). The combined production time for these three major components is estimated to be around one hour. The spring system, consisting of a spring plunger and a compression takes a production time of around ten hours, with a combined price of $2.12 per 100-250 pieces (W.B. Jones, 2024).

After considering the wholesale prices of each major component, the total production cost to acquire substantial materials for a set of five Cane-Pal units is estimated to be $673.10. The total production time would amount to approximately 4.5 months, with an additional assembly time of 0.5 months. Taking into account varying shipping locations, the retail price for a single Cane-Pal unit would be $160.

Conclusion

Canes have served as valuable tools, assisting individuals with disabilities for centuries. However, standard canes fall short in addressing key safety and mobility concerns—such as avoiding vehicle collisions, detecting hazardous objects, and navigating irregular terrain and weather conditions. Although there have been efforts to improve upon these flaws, no product has yet delivered a truly comprehensive solution. Cane-Pal emerges as a transformative answer to these challenges. By combining smart technology with sustainable materials, Cane-Pal redefines the capabilities of mobility aids. With its compact yet powerful AI processor and high-performance camera, Cane-Pal provides real-time SOS assistance, environmental hazard alerts, and a specially designed tip for reliable stability across surfaces. Its exterior of Tonkin bamboo, reinforced with stainless steel and carbon fiber, ensures durability and long-term usability. Ultimately, Cane-Pal’s thoughtful integration of design, innovation, and user-focused functionality fulfills its mission: to offer individuals with mobility and visual impairments a safer, more reliable, and more accessible way to navigate the world.

References

  • Light Weight High Quality Small Solar Module 0.15W 5V Solar Panel for Toy Solar Charger. (2025). Made-In-China.com