Two-Part Compression Stocking with Low-Friction Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression stockings are difficult for users, especially those with limited strength or mobility, to put on and take off due to their stiffness and the risk of causing skin lesions when dragged over ulcers, and existing solutions either complicate the process or compromise comfort and cosmetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A compression stocking designed in two parts with a foot portion, an ankle portion, and overlap regions, where the second part is tubular and extends up the leg, featuring a low coefficient of friction between surfaces to facilitate easy donning and removal, with a visible marking to indicate correct positioning, allowing the second part to be drawn over the first part without excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression stockings are made with greater tension to improve venous return, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the difficulty of putting on and taking off increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression stocking is divided into two separate tubular parts: a first part extending from the foot to mid-calf, and a second part extending from the ankle to below the knee. This segmentation allows each part to be independently managed during donning and removal, reducing the force required compared to a single continuous stocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The two parts are designed to overlap and nest within each other in the overlap region. The second part is drawn over the first part, with the lower edge of the second part positioned within the overlap region of the first part. This nesting arrangement maintains compression integrity while facilitating easier donning through the low-friction interface.
2Ease of operation
If compression stockings are dragged over ulcers during application, then the stocking can be put on, but skin lesions and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the stocking into two parts with an overlap region, the application process is changed so that the second part is drawn over the first part rather than directly over the ulcer. The low-friction interface between parts allows the second part to slide over the first part, protecting the ulcer from direct contact and dragging.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part acts as an intermediary layer between the second part and the ulcer. When the second part is drawn over the first part during donning, the low-friction interface allows smooth passage without the second part directly contacting and damaging the ulcer.
3Device complexity
If compression stockings are made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but they are difficult to put on and take off for users with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece stocking is segmented into two separate tubular parts that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation reduces the overall tension and force required during donning and removal, making it feasible for users with limited mobility while maintaining the simplicity of each individual part.
4Reliability
If the overlap region maintains full compression integrity, then therapeutic effectiveness is preserved, but the difficulty of donning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlap region is designed with a low-friction interface between the two parts, creating a local difference in frictional properties. This allows the overlap region to maintain compression integrity through the nesting arrangement while enabling easy donning through reduced friction during the drawing-over process.
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
Enables easier and less painful application and removal of compression stockings, protecting ulcers and maintaining a graduated pressure profile, while being comfortable and cosmetically acceptable, with reduced manual effort required.
Implementation Method 1
an outer surface of the first part and an inner surface of the second part are formed in a manner which provides a low coefficient of friction between them, enabling the compression stocking to be put on by putting the first part on first, and then drawing the second part over the first part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compression stocking (10) which is divided into at least two parts, making it easier to put the stocking on and to take it off. A first part (12) has a foot portion (16), an ankle portion (18) which extends above the malleolus (14), and a first overlap portion (24) which is above the ankle portion, and is so formed as to exert in use a pressure which is reduced compared to a pressure exerted by the ankle portion. A second part (30) is tubular and has a second overlap portion (32) and a leg portion (34) which extends in use up the leg from the overlap portion to surround at least part of the lower leg. In use the first overlap portion is able to be placed within the second overlap portion, the compression stocking providing a pressure which reduces progressively up the leg. An outer surface of the first part and an inner surface of the second part are formed in a manner which provides a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to enable the compression stocking to be put on by putting the first part on first, and then drawing the second part over the first part and pulling it up the leg to bring the second overlap portion into position around the first overlap portion, so that passage of the second part over the foot and ankle is facilitated by the first part.