Hook-And-Loop Shoe Strap Aid for Limited-Mobility Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited mobility, such as the young, elderly, or those with disabilities, face difficulties in engaging hook-and-loop straps on shoes due to lack of dexterity and flexibility to reach or grasp the straps, necessitating a solution for remote manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A shoe fastening apparatus with a hook-and-loop strap featuring an extension element like a ring or D-ring, and a shoe aid appliance with a pole and hooks, allowing users to manipulate the straps from a distance without physical contact, using a handle and rod to grasp and pull the straps for opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook-and-loop straps are used instead of shoelaces, then ease of operation is improved for most individuals, but individuals with limited mobility still cannot grasp or manipulate the straps due to inability to reach their feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (a tool with a long handle and grasping mechanism) that mediates between the user's hand and the shoe strap. This intermediary extends the user's reach and provides the grasping force needed to manipulate the strap, resolving the contradiction by enabling strap engagement for users with limited mobility without changing the strap design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional element by extending the interaction space from direct hand-to-strap contact to remote manipulation via a long-handled tool. This dimensional extension allows users to reach their feet and manipulate straps from a distance, overcoming the reach limitation while maintaining the original strap design.
2Ease of operation
If no extension element is added to the strap, then device complexity is minimized, but individuals with limited mobility cannot grasp the strap terminal end
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the strap with extension elements, the patent uses an intermediary grasping mechanism on the tool to interact with the existing strap terminal end. This approach improves graspability for users with limited mobility while avoiding additional complexity in the strap structure itself.
3Length of moving object
If a long-handled tool is used to manipulate the strap, then reachability is improved, but the manipulation force may be insufficient to engage the hook-and-loop materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the intermediary tool with a specialized grasping mechanism (such as a claw or clamp) that concentrates and multiplies the user's input force onto the strap terminal end. This mechanical advantage allows the long-handled tool to both reach the foot area and apply sufficient force to engage the hook-and-loop materials effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping mechanism on the tool incorporates curved or rounded elements that conform to the strap terminal end, increasing contact area and force distribution. This curvature design enhances the mechanical advantage and ensures effective force transfer despite the long handle distance.
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 individuals with limited mobility to easily engage and disengage hook-and-loop straps on shoes remotely, facilitating shoe wear and removal without requiring manual dexterity, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the first surface comprising a hook material and a second surface comprising a loop material, wherein the hook material and the loop material are configured to mate and bind together when in contact
Data Source
AI summary
Shoe fastening apparatuses are used with shoes having hook-and-loop tying straps. The shoe fastening apparatuses comprise a hook-and-loop strap having a loop of material or a ring on a terminal end thereof. Systems of the present invention further comprise an engagement apparatus for manipulating the hook-and-loop strap and, more specifically, the loop of material or the ring thereof. Methods of using the shoe fastening apparatuses and the systems thereof are further provided herein.