Remote-controlled collapsible valet stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with mobility impairments face challenges in dressing due to the lack of adaptive devices that assist in wearing clothing without requiring them to reach behind themselves, as conventional dressing aids are not designed to address diverse needs and preferences effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled collapsible valet stand equipped with a linear actuator mounted on a base, raising a plurality of arms to facilitate clothing placement and adjustment, allowing users to wear garments without reaching behind, along with features like proximity sensors, audiovisual alerts, and height adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dressing sticks are used, then users can manipulate clothing items without extensive reaching or bending, but users cannot effectively wear articles of clothing that require reaching behind themselves to engage the clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the clothing manipulation task into two independent parts: a stationary front engagement mechanism that the user can reach, and a rear engagement mechanism that is remotely controlled. This segmentation allows the user to operate the device without needing to reach behind themselves, while still being able to wear clothing that requires rear engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control unit as an intermediary between the user and the rear engagement mechanism. The remote control transmits signals wirelessly to actuate the rear clips or hooks, allowing the user to engage clothing at the back without direct physical contact or reaching. This intermediary solves the problem of inaccessible rear clothing engagement.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional valet stands are used, then clothing can be stored conveniently, but no assistance is provided for wearing articles of clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines two previously separate functions into one unified system: clothing storage (valet stand function) and clothing assistance (dressing aid function). The stationary unit provides hooks for hanging and storing clothing, while the movable unit with rear engagement clips provides assistance for wearing clothing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate storage and dressing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stationary valet stand structure with a movable dressing assistance mechanism. The base unit serves both as a clothing holder and as the anchor point for the remotely controlled engagement system. This combination allows users to store and wear clothing using a single integrated device rather than multiple separate tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dressing sticks are used to engage clothing behind the user, then the user must reach behind themselves which is difficult for individuals with mobility impairments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to reach backward to engage clothing, the system inverts the approach by bringing the engagement mechanism to the front where the user can reach it. The rear clips are actuated remotely from the front, reversing the traditional reaching direction and making the task accessible to users with mobility impairments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between the user's hand and the rear engagement mechanism with a wireless remote control system. Instead of mechanically reaching behind to manipulate clips or hooks, the user sends electronic or radio frequency signals from a remote control to actuate the rear engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for backward reaching motion.
Data Source
AI summary
The remote-controlled collapsible valet stand may assist a user in wearing an article of clothing without needing to reach behind themselves to grasp the clothing. The device may comprise a linear actuator mounted to a base and raising a plurality of arms to dress the user. The device may be remote controlled, and the user of the device may place an article of clothing onto the arms and then control the height of the actuator to have the clothing lifted onto their person for easy wearing. The remote-controlled collapsible valet stand may further comprise a plurality of clips allowing the clothing to be quickly disconnected once the user is wearing it, and height adjustability so that users of varying heights may be able to use the device. In one embodiment the device may comprise a plurality of cowlings, near field communication, audible and visual alerts, proximity sensors, and various attachments considered related in the art.