Magnetic Stocking Aid Structure for Low-Force Compression Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in putting on elastic stockings due to the need for significant strength to overcome friction and tension, especially as they age, and existing aids are complex and not easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A flat, flexible sheet aid with magnetic connecting means on opposite edges that form a tube-like structure, allowing easy attachment and detachment with minimal force, using magnets strategically placed to reduce friction and facilitate easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stocking is wrapped tightly around the leg to exert large tensioning force, then the medical effectiveness is improved, but the force required to put on the stocking increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a put-on aid as an intermediary device between the user and the stocking. This aid has a larger diameter than the stocking, allowing the user to pull the stocking over the aid more easily. The stocking is then gradually rolled down the leg using the aid as a guide, reducing the direct force needed while still achieving the required tight fit for medical effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The putting-on process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, pulling the stocking over the put-on aid (which requires less force due to the larger diameter), and second, gradually rolling the stocking down the leg using the aid as a guide. This segmentation allows the user to apply force in manageable stages rather than requiring excessive force all at once.
2Reliability
If the user pulls the stocking along the heel and over the leg to achieve tight wrapping, then the tensioning force is sufficient, but the friction encountered increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The put-on aid serves as a mediator that reduces friction during the putting-on process. By providing a smoother, larger-diameter surface, it allows the stocking to slide more easily during the initial pulling phase. Once the stocking is over the aid, the aid continues to facilitate gentle rolling down the leg, maintaining control while reducing friction-related difficulty.
3Reliability
If the diameter of the stocking is made smaller than the circumference of the ankle to ensure tight fit, then the medical effectiveness is improved, but the force and friction during putting on increase
Solution Approach 1:
The put-on aid with its larger diameter acts as a temporary intermediary structure that bypasses the size mismatch problem. The stocking is pulled over this larger structure first, then gradually rolled down to achieve the tight fit on the smaller ankle. This two-stage process eliminates the need to force the stocking directly onto the small ankle circumference.
4Ease of operation
If a put-on aid is used to facilitate easy application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The put-on aid is constructed from flexible material that can be easily manipulated and adapted to the user's leg. This flexibility simplifies the device structure while maintaining functionality. The aid can be comfortably worn and easily removed, avoiding complex mechanical components while still providing the necessary assistance for putting on the stocking.
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
The aid allows for convenient and easy application of elastic stockings with reduced strength requirements and simpler removal, suitable for both closed and open toe ends, enhancing user friendliness and reducing friction during use.
Implementation Method 1
each connecting means contains magnets which are attracted by corresponding magnets in the other connecting means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aid for putting on an elastic stocking in particular. The aid comprises a substantially flat and flexible sheet body manufactured from a smooth material, which is provided with removal means to remove the aid from between a foot and a stocking arranged around it, and with connecting means arranged on opposite edges of the body, which when in use interact to interconnect the opposite edges, resulting in a tube-like body having a insertion side for the foot and an opposite foot section, whereby each connecting means comprises magnets which are attracted by corresponding magnets in the other connecting means. The aid is simpler and more convenient in use than the known aid.