Clamp and Pull Removal Aid for One-Handed Clothing Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools fail to effectively assist individuals with limited range of motion, flexibility, dexterity, or strength in removing clothing items like jackets and sweaters, which can be challenging for elderly or injured persons.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivotally joined clamp and flexible pull mechanism that secures to a sleeve and an object, allowing users to twist and move away to remove clothing items, featuring elongated and shallow heads for easy slipping under arm portions and a lock for one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional self-help methods are used for removing clothing, then healthy individuals can remove clothing easily, but individuals with limited range of motion, flexibility, dexterity, or strength cannot remove clothing effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device consisting of a clamp mechanism and pull system that mediates between the user and the clothing item. The clamp attaches to the distal end of the arm portion, and the pull connects to an external object, creating a mechanical intermediary that performs the removal action for users who cannot do it themselves due to mobility limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service by allowing users to attach the clamp to their own clothing and connect the pull to available objects in their environment. Users can independently perform clothing removal without requiring assistance from others, thereby maintaining dignity and autonomy while overcoming physical limitations.
2Strength
If a clamp mechanism is designed to securely attach to clothing, then it provides strong holding force, but it becomes difficult to position and secure onto the distal end of the arm portion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp heads are designed with elongated and shallow geometry specifically adapted for the local condition of slipping under the distal end of an arm portion. This localized geometric optimization allows the clamp to easily position itself while maintaining strong holding capability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to be opened in advance and positioned on the clothing item before being secured. The elongated heads allow preliminary positioning by simply slipping under the arm portion, after which the clamp is closed to provide strong holding force. This separates the positioning action from the securing action.
3Force
If the pull is made rigid to provide strong pulling force, then it effectively removes clothing, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The pull is designed as a flexible element that can be easily coiled or folded for compact storage in pockets or purses. When deployed, the flexible pull provides sufficient pulling force to remove clothing items. This flexibility allows the same element to satisfy both storage convenience and functional requirements.
4Reliability
If the device is designed for two-handed operation to ensure secure attachment, then it provides reliable clamping, but it becomes difficult for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be opened and positioned on the clothing item in advance using one hand. The elongated heads allow preliminary positioning without requiring the other hand. After positioning, the clamp is closed to provide secure attachment. This preliminary positioning action can be completed with one hand, making the device accessible to users with limited dexterity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removal aid used to assist in the removal of clothing items such as jackets, sweaters, shirts and the like. The aid is a device having a clamp with two sections that are pivotally joined together. Each section has a head that is elongated. The clamp has a lock for locking the clamp in a closed position. A pull has two ends, one of which is connected to a clamp section. The second end of the pull can have a loop. The pull is preferably a flexible pull. A user secures the device onto an end of a sleeve and locks the clamp with the lock. Then, the user places the loop over upon an object so that the pull pulls the arm portion of the garment off from the user's arm as the user moves away or twists relative to the object.