Open Annular Stocking Remover Rings for Easier Compression Stocking Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for taking off elastic support stockings are difficult for less-valid individuals due to the need to manipulate rings that are heavy and require complex movements, often necessitating adaptation to the user's leg shape and size, which can be cumbersome and require excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A stocking take-off assistance device featuring an inner ring and outer ring that extend over less than 360°, allowing for easier radial displacement and self-centering, reducing the need for hinged parts and complex movements, with a design that enables easier handling and reduced force required for stocking placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the inner ring and outer ring are made completely closed (360°), then the structural integrity and gripping ability are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of manipulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closed ring structure into two separate parts: an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is inserted through the stocking first, then the outer ring is placed over it. This segmentation allows each ring to be simpler and easier to manipulate while maintaining the overall functional integrity of the gripping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is nested inside the outer ring during operation. The inner ring has a smaller diameter and is positioned within the outer ring, creating a nested configuration that simplifies the individual components while maintaining structural integrity through their cooperative arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rings are made circular with large diameter to accommodate instep-to-heel distance, then the adaptability to different leg shapes is improved, but the force required to manipulate the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different diameter characteristics to different parts of the ring structure. The inner ring has a smaller diameter optimized for insertion through the stocking, while the outer ring has a larger diameter for comfortable handling. This local differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a uniformly large diameter throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an axial dimension to the ring structure by creating a nested configuration where the inner ring is positioned within the outer ring along the axial direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the rings to work together in three-dimensional space, reducing the force required compared to a single planar ring structure.
3Ease of operation
If the outer ring is made heavy with attached grips and brackets for easier handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the device increases making it difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gripping functions into separate components (grips and brackets) that are attached to the outer ring, rather than incorporating them into the inner ring. This allows the user to handle the outer ring with attached grips, which provides better leverage and control, while the inner ring remains lighter for easy insertion through the stocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ring acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the inner ring. The grips and brackets attached to the outer ring provide a comfortable interface for the user, while the outer ring itself serves as a mediator that transmits the user's gripping force to the inner ring, which performs the actual stocking manipulation.
4Ease of operation
If hinged parts and latch mechanisms are added to enable the rings to open and close, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible or resilient materials for the rings that allow them to dynamically open and close without requiring complex hinged mechanisms. The rings can be compressed radially to open them for insertion, and they naturally return to their closed configuration through elastic recovery, providing ease of operation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or configuration of the rings by allowing radial compression. The rings can be compressed to reduce their effective diameter for insertion, then return to their original configuration for operation. This parameter change (radial compression/expansion) provides the needed mobility without requiring hinged parts or latch mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stocking take-off assistance device (1) is described, suitable as aid for taking of stockings (110) , particularly elastic support stockings, which device comprises: - at least one substantially annular inner device (10) , suitable to be arranged around a leg (100) and to receive the turned upper edge (111) of a stocking (110) ; - a substantially annular outer device (30) matching the annular inner device (10), suitable to be arranged around the leg (100) and around the inner device (10) such that an upper edge (111) of a stocking (110) folded around the annular inner device (10) can be clamped between the annular inner device (10) and the annular outer device (30) . The annular inner device is not completely closed but extends over an angle (a) smaller than 360°. Likewise, the annular outer device (30) is not completely closed but extends over an angle (ß) smaller than 360°.