Spring-Loaded Shoe Horn Grip for Easy Shoe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shoe horns are inconvenient and difficult for individuals with physical limitations to use, as they require bending and reaching to position shoes and insert the horn, failing to address the challenges of reaching under furniture and aligning shoes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shoe horn apparatus with a handle, shaft, and spring-loaded actuating member that allows users to grip shoes without bending, featuring a transmission mechanism between the actuating member and grip member, enabling easy placement and retrieval of shoes without manual strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shoe horns are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe horn apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for user control, a shaft for transmission, a grip member for shoe engagement, and a spring-loaded actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including a spring-loaded actuating member that automatically returns to its initial position, and a grip member that can open and close to engage and release the shoe. This dynamic behavior enables the device to adapt to different operational phases without requiring complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If the shoe horn apparatus includes grip member and actuating mechanism, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuating member automatically returns to its initial position after engaging the grip member, and the grip member automatically opens and closes based on the actuating force applied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional actuators to reset the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating member serves multiple functions: it directly controls the grip member engagement, transmits force through the shaft, and automatically resets through the spring mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If long shaft is used to reach shoes under furniture, then the ease of operation improves for reaching, but the device complexity increases to maintain control
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed with specific structural characteristics at different locations: it provides sufficient length for reaching under furniture, maintains appropriate stiffness for force transmission, and includes attachment points for the grip member and actuating mechanism. This localized optimization allows the shaft to fulfill multiple requirements without requiring complex structural solutions.
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 users with physical limitations to easily put on shoes by allowing the shoe horn to grip and pull shoes into position, reducing strain and improving accessibility for individuals with back pain, elderly, and those with mobility issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded actuating member mounted near the handle
Implementation Method 2
a spring loaded grip member mounted near the shoe horn such that it can grip the back of a shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe horn apparatus comprising: a handle at one end, a shoe horn at the other end and a shaft mounted between the handle and the shoe horn, wherein the shaft is attached at its upper end to the handle and at its lower end to the shoe horn; a spring loaded actuating member mounted near the handle, such that it can be actuated by a user with the same hand the user holds the handle with; a spring loaded grip member mounted near the shoe horn such that it can grip the back of a shoe between the back of the shoe horn and the grip member upon actuation or release of the actuating member by a user; and, a transmission mechanism mounted between the actuating member and the grip member.