Compression sock with integrated donning and doffing aid system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical grade compression socks are difficult to put on and take off due to their strong elastic material, especially for elderly individuals and medical professionals, as they must be pulled over sharp angles and irregular shapes, and existing aids like rubberized gloves and wire structures are often incompatible with close-toed socks.

Innovation Solution

Integration of sequential pulls and openings on the outer face of the compression sock, designed to generate leverage and optimize friction at key anatomical points, facilitating easy donning and doffing while maintaining compression integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong elastic material is used to provide compression, then compression effectiveness is improved, but ease of donning and doffing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression effectivenessVSAvoidease of donning and doffing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression sock is divided into multiple functional regions (forefoot region, midfoot region, hindfoot region, tendon region, shin region, and calf region), each with specific pulls or openings positioned at strategic locations to facilitate progressive donning and doffing while maintaining compression integrity in each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pulls are introduced as intermediary elements that provide mechanical advantage and leverage points, allowing users to gradually work the sock over difficult anatomical features without compromising the strong elastic compression material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If strong elastic material is used to provide compression, then compression integrity is improved, but force required for donning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression integrityVSAvoidforce required for donning

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The sock includes preliminary openings and pulls positioned to facilitate initial insertion and progressive working of the garment over the limb, reducing the peak force required by distributing the donning action across multiple leverage points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sock incorporates dynamic elements including multiple pulls that can be sequentially engaged and released, allowing the user to apply force dynamically at different stages of donning rather than requiring sustained high force throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If strong elastic material is used to provide compression, then compression effectiveness is improved, but grip strength required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression effectivenessVSAvoidgrip strength required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pulls serve as intermediary gripping elements that distribute the grip requirement across several locations and stages, reducing the grip strength needed at any single point while maintaining effective compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping function is segmented into multiple discrete pulls located at different anatomical regions, allowing users with limited grip strength to work the sock on progressively rather than requiring strong grip throughout the entire process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The integration of sequential pulls and openings allows for easier application and removal of compression socks, reducing the force required and minimizing skin irritation, thus improving usability for individuals with limited mobility and grip strength.

Implementation Method 1

each pull is configured to generate leverage for the wearer donning and doffing the compression sock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

an integrated compression sock aid that optimizes the friction between the sock and the wearer's skin at key catch points along the wearer's leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250275874A1Compression sock with integrated donning and doffing aid system

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 VEREBELYI DAVID M

AI summary

A compression sock may include a body comprising an inner face and an outer face, the inner face configured to interface with a wearer's anatomy, the body further comprising: a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a hindfoot region, a tendon region, a shin region; and a calf region. The compression sock may further include a plurality of sequential pulls coupled to the outer face of the body, at least one pull located proximal each region. Each pull may be configured to generate leverage for the wearer donning and doffing the compression sock.