Dressing aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many individuals, particularly those with limited mobility or living alone, face difficulties in reaching and manipulating zippers and fasteners on garments and accessories without assistance, leading to challenges in dressing independently.
Innovation Solution
A dressing aid device featuring a grip with an extender and a hook mechanism that can be locked into a fixed position, allowing users to reach and operate zippers and fasteners from a comfortable distance, enabling self-dressing without external help.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a person uses their hand directly to manipulate a zipper or fastener, then they have direct control over the fastening action, but they cannot reach fasteners located in difficult-to-access areas such as the back or sides of garments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of an extender rod with a gripping end and a fastener-engaging end. This intermediary device transfers the user's manual force to the zipper or fastener, enabling operation of distant fasteners while maintaining direct control through the gripping end. The extender acts as a mechanical mediator that bridges the gap between the user's reach and the fastener location.
2Ease of operation
If a person asks another person for assistance to fasten zippers or fasteners, then they can operate fasteners in difficult-to-reach areas, but they lose independence and require external help
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by providing a tool that allows the user to independently operate fasteners without external assistance. The extender design incorporates a gripping end that fits in the user's hand and an engaging end that interacts with the fastener, allowing the user to perform the fastening action themselves. This eliminates the need for another person to assist with fastening garments or accessories.
3Length of moving object
If a person bends or stretches to reach a zipper, then they can access fasteners in various locations, but they experience physical strain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the reach problem by adding a spatial dimension through the extender rod. Instead of requiring the user to bend or stretch their body to reach distant fasteners, the extender extends the user's hand reach in a straight line, transforming the problem from one of body positioning to one of tool length. This dimensional extension allows access to distant fasteners without physical strain.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a dressing aid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dressing aid, comprises a grip; an extender extending from the grip, the extender having a proximal end and a distal end; a clasping mechanism coupled with the distal end of the extender; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the extender into a fixed position such that the clasping mechanism remains at a fixed length from the grip.