Garment Strap Mechanism for Independent Appendage Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Paralyzed individuals with limited lower body mobility face challenges in repositioning their lower appendages due to the bulkiness, cost, complexity, and unsightliness of existing assistive devices, which often require external assistance and can cause discomfort or injury.

Innovation Solution

A mobility-assistive garment with integrated slidable straps and strap sheaths that allow users to lift and reposition their appendages discreetly and comfortably, enabling independent repositioning and reducing the need for external assistive devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If specialized foot lifting equipment is used, then appendage repositioning can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and not easily carriable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappendage repositioning capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the foot lifting function with everyday pants by integrating a strap mechanism into the garment itself. The strap is attached to the pants and can be used to lift and reposition the foot, eliminating the need for separate external devices. This merging of function and form factor resolves the contradiction by making the device both functional and portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pants serve multiple functions: they provide everyday clothing coverage and simultaneously function as an assistive device for foot repositioning. The strap integrated into the pants can be used for lifting the foot during transfers or for repositioning while seated. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the garment useful both as clothing and as a portable assistive device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If specialized assistive devices are used, then appendage repositioning is enabled, but the device becomes costly and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappendage repositioning capabilityVSAvoiddevice simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pants with integrated strap enable the user to perform foot repositioning independently without requiring external assistance or complex mechanical systems. The simple strap mechanism can be easily operated by the user themselves to lift and reposition their foot, providing self-service capability at minimal cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If specialized assistive devices are used, then appendage repositioning can be achieved, but the device is cumbersome and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappendage repositioning capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a specialized external device that stands out from normal clothing, the patent uses the pants themselves as the assistive device. The strap is integrated into the garment in a way that maintains the normal appearance of the pants when not in use, and allows for discreet operation. This approach copies the form of everyday clothing while incorporating assistive functionality, resolving the aesthetic contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If assistants are used to help with transfers, then repositioning can be achieved, but intrusive placement of assistive devices causes discomfort or injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer assistanceVSAvoiduser comfort and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240091087A1Mobility-Assistive Garment

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 ENCORE INNOVATION GRP LLC

AI summary

A garment includes an interior surface, a strap sheath carried by the interior surface and establishing a strap tunnel, a strap movably extending through the strap sheath and being slidable in the strap tunnel relative to the strap sheath. Lower and upper body versions of the garment are also disclosed, as is a method of repositioning an appendage of a wearer of a garment.