Sock remover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with mobility issues, such as arthritis, face difficulties in removing socks due to the requirement of bending and lifting pant legs, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle and removing head, featuring a shaft, flanges, and an offset member, designed to lift the pant leg and catch the sock, allowing for sock removal without needing to lift the pant leg, utilizing a buckle for attachment and elastomer-coated handle for grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person with mobility issues attempts to remove a sock manually, then the sock can be removed, but the person experiences difficulty due to required bending and joint movement
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the sock. The long shaft with flanges extends the user's reach and provides mechanical leverage, allowing sock removal without direct manual manipulation that requires bending and joint movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the sock removal action from a direct manual operation requiring bending into a pushing motion along the shaft's length. The flanges engage the sock and pant leg, converting the problem into a linear pushing motion that avoids joint stress.
2Ease of operation
If long pants are worn, then the sock top is covered, but the sock cannot be accessed for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two functions into one tool: the third flange engages the pant leg to lift it, while the first and second flanges simultaneously engage the sock top. This combined action allows both pant leg lifting and sock access through a single device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multiple flanges that can perform different functions: the third flange interacts with the pant leg, while the first and second flanges interact with the sock. This multi-functionality allows the single device to handle both the pant leg barrier and the sock removal task.
3Force
If the shaft is made longer to provide more leverage, then the removing force increases, but the device becomes harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic adjustment of the shaft angle and position during operation. The user can angle the shaft to optimize leverage for different sock positions and adjust the depth of insertion, balancing force generation with maneuverability throughout the removal process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for removing clothing. Specifically, the device may be used to remove a sock from a user's foot. The device may have a handle end, a removing end, and a shaft. A removing head may be configured at the removing end. A first flange may extend from the shaft away from the handle end. A second flange and third flange may be configured on the removing head. The second shaft may extend away from the handle end, and the third flange may extend towards the handle end. The third flange may be configured to catch the user's pant leg to lift the pant leg towards the user's knee. The first and second flanges may be configured to catch the user's sock to remove the sock from the user's foot.