Adaptive Garment Closure With Finger Pockets and Magnetic Snaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with injuries, conditions, or disabilities face difficulty in dressing and undressing due to limited ability to perform tasks required for fastening garments.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for garments featuring fasteners with snap fit tabs and magnets that engage through pockets designed for finger insertion, allowing easy coupling and uncoupling by applying force through the fingers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners are used in garments, then the garment closure function is achieved, but individuals with injuries or disabilities cannot easily perform the fastening task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces finger pockets as an intermediary mechanism between the user's fingers and the fasteners. The pockets receive and guide the fingers, providing mechanical advantage and leverage to engage the fasteners. This intermediary structure enables individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity to successfully fasten garments that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to close.
2Ease of operation
If simple fasteners are used, then the garment can be easily fastened, but secure attachment cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening mechanisms within a single fastener assembly. Each fastener includes both a snap fit tab for initial engagement and a magnet for secure holding. This merged design provides both ease of operation (through the simple snap fit mechanism) and reliable secure attachment (through the magnetic holding force), resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.
3Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to ensure secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the snap fit tab for engagement, the magnet for holding, and the finger pocket for operation assistance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining ease of operation while achieving secure attachment through the combined action of multiple simplified elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates simplified fastening and unfastening of garments, providing adaptive clothing solutions for individuals needing assistance with dressing and undressing.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet on the first panel and a second magnet on the second panel. The magnet attracts the second magnet to hold the first and second panels together.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment includes a first panel comprising a first pocket and a first fastener on the first panel, and a second panel comprising a second pocket and a second fastener on the second panel. The first fastener couples with the second fastener to close a portion of the garment.