Compression Stocking Toe Opening for Easy Donning Aid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression stockings with closed toes are difficult to put on, especially for older individuals and those with limited mobility, due to the need for a snug fit and the added challenges of damp skin, eczema, or wounds, and existing aids like frames are cumbersome and require skill.
Innovation Solution
A compression stocking with a closed toe featuring an opening at the underside to accommodate a smooth, inelastic donning aid that can be slipped over the foot and easily pulled out after donning, eliminating the need for bulky frames and reducing frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression stocking with closed toe is used, then medical necessity and warmth are satisfied, but it becomes difficult to put on due to high frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
A donning aid made of smooth material is introduced as an intermediary between the patient's foot and the compression stocking. The aid has a smooth surface that reduces frictional resistance during donning, allowing the stocking to be easily pulled over the foot. After donning, the aid is removed through the opening in the toe area, leaving the closed-toe stocking in place to provide the required medical compression and warmth.
2Ease of operation
If a frame-like donning aid is used, then ease of donning is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to use when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The frame-like rigid structure is replaced with a flexible donning aid made of smooth material that can be rolled up or folded into a compact form. This flexible aid maintains its function of reducing friction during donning while being portable and easy to carry during travel, eliminating the bulkiness associated with rigid frame structures.
3Stress or pressure
If the compression stocking fits snugly against the leg, then necessary pressure is exerted, but effort required to put it on increases
Solution Approach 1:
The donning aid is used to preliminarily prepare the foot by providing a smooth surface that allows the compression stocking to be easily pulled on. The aid performs the initial action of reducing friction during the donning process, enabling the stocking to be applied with minimal effort while still achieving the required snug fit and compression pressure once in place.
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 donning of compression stockings with closed toes without frames, maintaining pressure and warmth while allowing for easy removal of the aid without impeding walking or shoe-wearing, and ensuring the compression effect is not compromised.
Implementation Method 1
a donning aid for a compression stocking, which is made of a fabric with a smooth surface and can be slipped over the patient's foot before the compression stocking is put on and can be pulled out through the opening in the tip area of the compression stocking after the compression stocking has been put on
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The stocking (10) has a closed tip (12) including an opening (13) at a lower side. The opening comes to lie in a region of a basic joint of toes of patient after application of the stocking. The opening has a round shape. The opening includes a width in an applied condition of the stocking, where the width allows penetration of two finger tips. An opening edge (14) is reinforced with an elastic textile fabric. The textile fabric is formed from an elastic textile material, which is coated with adhering substances. The elastic textile material is applied under a pressure and heat effect. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a donning aid (2) a compression stocking and donning aid set.