Donning aid for compression stockings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic stocking aids, such as those using rubber gloves or pretensioning devices, require significant user effort and are cumbersome, especially for individuals with restricted mobility, making it difficult to put on and take off compression stockings efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A donning aid with a carrier element and integrated motors that facilitate the unrolling and rolling up of support stockings by moving parts of the carrier element, providing sufficient torque to manage compression classes up to 4 without user assistance, and featuring a design that allows for easy attachment and detachment from the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rubber gloves are used to increase friction for gripping, then ease of operation is improved, but user effort remains undiminished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping easeVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical effort with an electric motor that provides the force needed to pull the stocking onto the pretensioning device. The motor-driven reel winds the stocking onto the device, eliminating the need for users to exert significant pulling force while maintaining the friction-based gripping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If pretensioning devices are used to stretch the stocking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestocking application easeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the pretensioning function, the rolling-up function, and the motorized assistance are all incorporated into one portable unit. This allows the device to stretch the stocking, wind it onto itself or a carrier, and provide motorized assistance, reducing the need for multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If ring-shaped donning aids are used for rolling up stockings, then ease of operation is improved, but user effort remains considerable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling up easeVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual rolling effort with a motor-driven reel mechanism. The motor winds the stocking onto the pretensioning device or a carrier element, eliminating the need for users to manually roll and compress the stocking material while maintaining the ring-shaped structure for flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If motorized expansion tools are used to widen stocking openings, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening expansion easeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable components such as the pretensioning device that can change its shape and size. The device can be inflated or expanded to create a larger opening for easier insertion, then deflated or compressed for removal, providing adaptive functionality without requiring complex permanent structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables effortless unrolling and rolling up of support stockings directly on the body, reducing user effort and improving comfort, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, while maintaining hygiene standards.

Implementation Method 1

at least one motor, which sets parts of the carrier element, in particular parts of this surface, in motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The surface of the carrier element is designed in such a way that the coefficient of friction of the support stocking on this surface is so high that the support stocking is prevented from sliding on the same

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3340840B1Donning aid for compression stockings
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 HERZIG GEORG
  • EP3340840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3340840B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3340840B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a donning aid 1 for compression stockings 2, comprising a carrier element 7 which is able to enclose a body part at least to some extent. The donning aid 1 is characterized by comprising at least one motor designed to set the carrier element 7 or parts thereof moving, the movement being able to at least aid in rolling a compression stocking 2 up or down.