Shoehorn Device with Captive Securing Unit to Prevent Loss and Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dressing accessory devices, such as shoehorns, lack effective security measures to prevent loss and theft, particularly when attached to external units like walls or furniture.
Innovation Solution
A shoehorn device with a base body unit and a securing unit that uses a flexible, dimensionally unstable securing element connected to both the base body and the dressing accessory unit, allowing for captive connection and optional wireless monitoring, with a resetting unit to ensure secure and convenient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securing unit with a securing element is used to connect the dressing accessory unit to the base body unit, then security against loss and theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing unit is divided into separate components: a securing element connected to the dressing accessory unit and a receiving element connected to the base body unit. This segmentation allows the securing function to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as each component remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the dressing accessory unit and the base body unit. This mediator approach enables the security function to be implemented through a simple connection mechanism rather than integrating complexity into the main body structures.
2Reliability
If the base body unit is attached to an external unit using fastening elements, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent. The fastening elements can be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing the base body unit to be securely attached when needed but also easily removed when required. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between reliable attachment and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the securing element is made flexible and dimensionally unstable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed with specific physical parameters: it is made flexible and dimensionally unstable (tendency to coil or contract). These parameter changes allow the element to be easily manipulated by hand while its inherent physical properties provide the connection reliability. The element's tendency to return to a coiled state provides automatic securing force.
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 device provides high security against loss and theft by ensuring the dressing accessory unit remains securely attached to the base body unit, making it easily accessible while preventing unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
having at least one resetting unit provided to move at least one securing element of the securing unit into an initial position of the securing element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a dressing accessory device, designed as a shoehorn device, comprising at least one main body unit (12), at least one fastening unit (14) arranged on the main body unit (12) for fastening the main body unit (12) to an external unit, and at least one dressing accessory unit (16) that can be connected to the main body unit (12), wherein the dressing accessory unit (16) is designed as a shoehorn, comprising at least one securing unit (18) which is provided for connecting the dressing accessory unit (16) to the main body unit (12), and comprising at least one restoring unit (22), which is provided for moving at least one securing element (20) of the securing unit (18) into a starting position of the securing element (20). According to the invention, the shoehorn device comprises at least one adjusting unit (24) for adjusting a size of a restoring force of the restoring unit (22), wherein the securing unit (18) is provided for captively connecting the dressing accessory unit (16) to the main body unit (12).