Shoe Donning Aid With Spring-Loaded Latch for Lowering Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe donning aids for individuals with motion limitations, such as those with back problems or stroke survivors, are often impractical as they require excessive reach, dexterity, or balance, and may not securely attach to the shoe, leading to difficulties in insertion and extraction.
Innovation Solution
A shoe donning aid with a U-shaped cross-section that includes a latching mechanism with a rocker arm and spring, allowing for secure attachment and easy insertion/extraction, utilizing side extensions to support the shoe and reduce the need for manual dexterity, and a lanyard system to manage forces for effortless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional shoehorn is used, then foot insertion is facilitated, but the device is bulky and requires extended hand reach which is impractical for users with motion limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The device nests within the shoe counter itself, with the U-shaped body fitting over the counter and the internal portion extending into the shoe opening. This eliminates the need for a separate external shoehorn structure, reducing bulk while maintaining the foot insertion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a traditional horizontal shoehorn to a vertical orientation that fits over the shoe counter. The U-shaped cross-section with downwardly extending portions creates a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes the vertical space above the counter, allowing foot insertion without requiring horizontal reach.
2Ease of operation
If a shoe donning aid is inserted into the shoe, then foot insertion is assisted, but the device tends to migrate forwardly and climb out during foot insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the shoe counter when the device is inserted. The spring-loaded latch with contact points on the external portion creates preliminary securing action that prevents forward migration during the foot insertion process, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device secures itself to the shoe counter through the self-actuating latching mechanism. The spring force automatically engages the latch with the counter, and the extraction string provides self-release capability. This self-service securing system maintains stable positioning without requiring external intervention during foot insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shoe donning aid is securely attached to the shoe, then foot insertion is stabilized, but the device becomes difficult to remove for extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction string is integrated into the latching mechanism, allowing the securing element (latch) to be easily removed by pulling the string. This separates the attachment function (spring-loaded latch) from the release function (extraction string), enabling secure attachment during use while providing simple extraction when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a static secure attachment state to a dynamic release state when the extraction string is pulled. The spring-loaded latch can quickly switch between engaged and disengaged positions, providing both secure attachment during foot insertion and easy removal for device extraction.
4Ease of operation
If the shoe donning aid requires manual dexterity for operation, then precise control is achieved, but users with stroke or back problems cannot operate it independently
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the complex latching and securing actions automatically through the spring-loaded mechanism. The user only needs to insert the device and pull the extraction string, while the spring automatically engages the latch with the shoe counter. This self-service operation eliminates the need for manual dexterity in positioning and securing the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual manipulation required in traditional shoehorns is replaced by a spring-loaded mechanical latching system. The spring force automatically provides the necessary engagement pressure with the shoe counter, substituting the need for manual pressing or positioning actions with an automated mechanical system that requires minimal user input.
5Ease of operation
If the shoe donning aid requires twisting of the upper body, then foot insertion is achieved, but balance is compromised for users with motion limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows the user to maintain an upright, balanced position by eliminating the need for body twisting. The vertical orientation of the U-shaped body over the shoe counter aligns with the user's natural standing posture, creating an equipotential state where no additional muscular effort for balance is required during the donning process.
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 shoe donning aid simplifies the shoe donning process by providing secure attachment, reducing manual dexterity requirements, and enabling easy insertion and extraction, thus enhancing independence and reducing the risk of balance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element coupled directly or indirectly to the horn contact point and disposed to urge the horn contact point forwardly to impart the forwardly directed force
Implementation Method 2
A latching mechanism is coupled to the shoe horn and is disposed below the top portion, the latching mechanism transitionable between a latched state and a released state
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe donning aid comprising a generally downwardly extending U shaped horn portion having an internal and external horn walls. The shoe donning aid comprises a latching mechanism which may be of resilient, locking, or latch type, the latching mechanism exerts sufficient force or forces on the shoe to allow the lowering the shoe to the ground using a lanyard. After the user's foot is inserted into the shoe, pulling on the lanyard overcomes or releases the latching forces, allowing extraction of the shoe donning aid. The latching mechanism is positioned lower than the top portion of the donning aid as to eliminate that obstacle from the target opening of the foot. Various variations and embodiments are shown and described.