Motorized Carrier Element for Support Stocking Application and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic stocking aids require significant force and are cumbersome for users with limited mobility, making it difficult to put on and take off compression stockings, especially for those who need assistance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a carrier element and motors that assist in rolling off and rolling up compression stockings, featuring a high-friction surface and adjustable mechanisms to simplify the process without user assistance, capable of handling various compression classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of support stockings is used, then no external device is needed, but significant force effort is required and it is difficult for people with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical force application with an automated mechanical system consisting of a carrier element that can be moved along the body part by external assistance or automated means, thereby substituting the user's direct mechanical effort with a controlled mechanical transmission system
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element serves as an intermediary between the support stocking and the user's hand. Instead of directly gripping and pulling the stocking, the user or automated system moves the carrier element, which in turn rolls the stocking onto or off the body part, mediating the force application and reducing direct mechanical effort
2Ease of operation
If pre-stretching devices are used to stretch open the support stocking, then putting on is simplified, but the devices are bulky and cannot be used for taking off
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can roll the support stocking onto the body part during putting on, and also roll it off during taking off. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to be moved along the body part in both directions (toward the foot during putting on, and toward the upper leg during taking off). This dynamic design enables the same device to adapt to different operational phases, providing versatility without requiring bulky fixed structures
3Reliability
If rolling up the support stocking onto a ring is required, then the stocking can be stored, but this process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the taking off function and the rolling up/storage function into a single continuous operation. As the carrier element is moved along the body part during taking off, it automatically rolls the support stocking onto itself, creating a compact rolled-up structure ready for storage without requiring a separate time-consuming rolling process
4Ease of operation
If rubber gloves with increased friction are used, then gripping is simplified, but the force effort required remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element acts as an intermediary that distributes the gripping force across a larger surface area and provides mechanical leverage. Instead of relying solely on finger grip strength enhanced by friction, the carrier element's structure allows force to be applied more efficiently through its movement along the body part, reducing the total force effort required
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 device reduces the force required for putting on and taking off compression stockings, enhancing user-friendliness and comfort by enabling easy rolling-off and rolling-up directly on the body part, accommodating different compression classes and user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier element, whose surface comes into contact with the support stocking... capable of at least assisting in a rolling-off and rolling-up of the support stocking after the support stocking and the carrier element have been brought into contact
Data Source
AI summary
A putting-on aid for support stockings, including a carrier element that is capable of at least partly encompassing a body part. The putting-on aid includes at least one motor which is designed to bring the carrier element or parts thereof into motion, wherein the motion is capable of at least assisting a rolling-off and rolling-up of a support stocking.