Compression Stocking Frame With Sliding Clasps for Assisted Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression stockings are difficult for users with limited coordination, flexibility, or strength to don and doff, posing risks of injury to the wearer or assistant during application.
Innovation Solution
A modified compression stocking with a plurality of sleeves and an automated device featuring a frame with linear actuators and clasp members that expand and contract to facilitate easy donning and doffing, allowing for independent use by users with impaired mobility or dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compression stockings are applied manually by an assistant, then the stocking can be donned, but the risk of injury to the wearer or assistant increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical apparatus with clamps, rails, and a frame serves as an intermediary device between the user and the compression stocking. The apparatus includes a first clamp member and second clamp member that can be positioned on either side of the stocking, with a frame that can be expanded and contracted to facilitate donning and doffing without direct manual manipulation by assistants, thereby eliminating the risk of injury from improper gripping or pushing
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables users with limited coordination, flexibility, or strength to don and doff compression stockings independently without requiring assistance from healthcare workers or caregivers. The automated mechanical system performs the donning and doffing actions that would otherwise require manual assistance, allowing the user to self-administer the stockings safely
2Ease of operation
If an assistant manually donnes the stocking, then the stocking can be applied, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the donning and doffing process into distinct mechanical functions: the frame provides structural support, the rails guide the movement of clamp members, and the clamp members independently secure the stocking at different positions. This segmentation of functions into modular components simplifies the overall procedure by making each component's role clear and interchangeable
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be versatile and can accommodate different types of compression stockings and various user needs. The frame and clamp members can be adjusted to work with stockings of different sizes and styles, and the same apparatus can be used for both donning and doffing operations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
3Reliability
If traditional compression stockings are used, then the therapeutic benefit is provided, but the difficulty of donning and doffing increases for users with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical apparatus acts as an intermediary that preserves the integrity and therapeutic properties of the compression stocking while eliminating the manual manipulation required for donning and doffing. The clamp members and frame system apply controlled forces to the stocking without compromising its compression characteristics or therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus can be prepared in advance with the compression stocking attached to the frame or rails before the user needs to don it. The mechanical system positions and prepares the stocking in the correct configuration ahead of time, so that when the user needs to apply it, the difficult manual stretching and positioning steps have already been completed by the automated system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for donning and doffing a stocking includes a frame including a base portion, a first rail having a first longitudinal axis, and a second rail having a second longitudinal axis. A first post is coupled with the first rail and is slidable in a direction parallel with the first longitudinal axis, and a second post is coupled with the second rail and is slidable in a direction parallel with the second longitudinal axis. A first clasp member is coupled with the first post and has a first prong adapted to engage a first portion of the stocking. A second clasp member is coupled with the second post and has a second prong adapted to engage a second portion of the stocking. A third clasp member is coupled with the base portion and has a third prong adapted to engage a third portion of the stocking.