Integrated Button Assist Tool for Limited Dexterity Dressing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buttoning and unbuttoning assist devices are inadequate for conventional modern shirts and similar clothing, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity due to age, arthritis, amputation, or illness, as they cannot effectively handle both buttoning and unbuttoning tasks independently.
Innovation Solution
An integrated tool with a handle member, a button assist tool featuring a wire loop for buttoning, and an unbuttoning assist tool with a spanner mechanism, including a fixed upper and lower jaw with a slot to engage button threads, allowing for both buttoning and unbuttoning without requiring assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate buttoning and unbuttoning devices are used, then each function is specialized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate specialized devices (buttoning assist and unbuttoning assist) into one integrated device with a common handle. This reduces the number of devices from two to one while maintaining the specialized functions of each portion through distinct mechanical mechanisms (loop for buttoning, spanner for unbuttoning).
2Device complexity
If conventional buttoning devices are used, then simple structure is maintained, but effectiveness for limited dexterity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary tool that compensates for limited hand dexterity. The loop portion provides mechanical guidance for button insertion, while the spanner portion provides mechanical leverage for button removal, enabling individuals with limited dexterity to independently perform buttoning and unbuttoning tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated buttoning assist and unbuttoning assist device includes a handle member; a button assist tool coupled to one end of the handle member and including a wire loop extending from one end of the handle; and an unbuttoning assist tool coupled to an opposed end of the handle member and including a spanner extending from the opposed end of the handle member, the spanner including a fixed lower jaw member having a pair of button engaging tangs separated by a slot which is configured to receive the threads or eye of a button therein, and the spanner including a fixed button engaging upper jaw member.