Compression Stocking With Integrated Zipper for Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression stockings are difficult to put on and take off, especially for older individuals with limited strength, and they often do not provide comprehensive therapeutic effects as they typically only reach the knee, lacking sufficient coverage and pressure distribution for the entire leg.
Innovation Solution
A compression stocking designed to enclose the leg from above the knee to the ankle with integrated one or two zippers, made of stretch material, preferably with non-allergenic metal or plastic zippers, featuring a single or dual slider configuration and a stop mechanism to prevent unintentional opening, ensuring ease of use and adequate pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression stockings are made to enclose the entire leg from above the knee to the ankle, 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 functional segments: an upper portion that provides therapeutic compression from above the knee to the ankle, and a lower portion with a zipper mechanism that enables easy donning and doffing. This segmentation allows the stocking to maintain full leg coverage for therapeutic effectiveness while incorporating a user-friendly closure system.
2Ease of operation
If a Velcro fastener is used to improve ease of operation, then putting on and taking off becomes easier, but the closing force is insufficient and the fastener easily opens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Velcro mechanical fastening system with a zipper mechanism. The zipper provides superior closing force and reliability while maintaining ease of operation. The zipper's interlocking teeth structure ensures secure closure that prevents unintentional opening during wear, unlike the Velcro system which lacks sufficient holding force.
3Ease of operation
If the compression stocking reaches only the knee, then ease of operation is improved, but the therapeutic effect becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compression stocking is designed with a segmented structure where the main body extends from above the knee to the ankle to provide comprehensive therapeutic coverage, while a separate zipper portion is integrated to facilitate easy donning and doffing. This segmentation allows the stocking to maintain full leg coverage for therapeutic effectiveness while incorporating a user-friendly closure system.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional compression stockings without zippers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but usability for older individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between simple manufacturing and improved usability. It is a well-established, cost-effective component that can be easily integrated into the compression stocking manufacturing process while dramatically improving ease of donning and doffing for older individuals with limited strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a compression stocking that offers improved usability. Known compression stockings are difficult to put on and take off. The compression stocking according to the invention is designed to enclose a leg from above the knee to at least the ankle. It also has one or two integrated zippers. These facilitate putting on and taking off the compression stocking. The zipper(s) are preferably located in the knee area of the compression stocking.