Adaptive Undergarment Finger Pulls for Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional undergarments pose difficulties for individuals with dexterity and motor control issues, requiring precise hand and arm activities for donning and doffing, and existing adaptive solutions like diaper-like structures have negative associations and do not fully address these challenges.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates horizontally and vertically extending finger pulls made of elastic or inelastic material, strategically attached around the waist opening to facilitate easy grasping and pulling, providing multiple points of access to aid in putting on and taking off the undergarment without assistance, while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional unitary undergarment structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with dexterity limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The undergarment is divided into a front portion and a back portion that can be separated and reattached. This segmentation allows individuals with dexterity limitations to manipulate smaller, more manageable sections rather than attempting to handle the entire garment at once, significantly improving ease of operation while introducing moderate structural complexity through the addition of closure mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If diaper-like structure with fasteners is used, then ease of operation improves for dexterity-limited individuals, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to medical gear associations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanisms are strategically positioned at the sides of the undergarment rather than being distributed across the entire garment. This localized placement allows the majority of the garment surface to maintain a conventional, aesthetically pleasing appearance while providing functional access points for individuals with dexterity limitations, thus balancing ease of operation with aesthetic considerations.
3Ease of operation
If opposing edges are detachably fixed with fasteners, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Hook-and-loop fastener strips are used as intermediary elements to join the front and back portions of the undergarment. These fasteners provide a reliable yet simple connection mechanism that can be easily manipulated by individuals with dexterity limitations, offering an alternative to more complex button, zipper, or snap systems while maintaining moderate overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment for covering a pelvic region of a wearer is adapted to finger graspable pulls shaped and located to aid a wearer with diminished motor capacity and/or manual (i.e., hand) dexterity to more easily put on and take off the undergarment independently, without needing precise finger, hand, and arm control. The undergarment desirably uses materials, color choices, and decorative trim and elements to make the finger pulls and/or to decorate the undergarment to make the undergarment look more aesthetically appealing and reduce resemblance to specialty medical garment used by medical patients.