Split-Ring Stocking Remover for Low-Force Compression Stockings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aids for taking off elastic support stockings are difficult for less-valid individuals due to the need to reach their feet and apply force, with disadvantages including the requirement for hinged rings, heavy outer rings, and complex mechanisms that require significant manual dexterity and strength.

Innovation Solution

A stocking aid featuring an inner ring and outer ring that extend over less than 360°, allowing for radial shifting and tangential movement, with self-centering contours for easier assembly and reduced force requirements, and optionally including a bracket for putting on stockings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the inner ring is made completely closed (360°), then the structural integrity and clamping force are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of application increase due to requiring hinged parts and latch mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner ring is divided into two separate parts (first ring part and second ring part) that can be independently applied to the leg. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex hinged mechanisms and latch systems while maintaining the clamping function, as each part can be separately positioned and secured around the leg without requiring the other part to be present during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the outer ring is made heavy with grips and latch mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved by providing handles, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the weight making it difficult to maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidweight of outer ring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism and complex securing systems are completely removed from the outer ring. The outer ring relies on simple elastic retention force from the stretched material to hold the stocking, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical latches, handles, or other complex operational components. This extraction of unnecessary elements significantly reduces weight while maintaining ease of use through simple donning and doffing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rings are made circular with large diameter to accommodate instep-to-heel distance, then the adaptability is improved, but the force required to apply the stocking end around the ring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidforce required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the ring into two separate parts, the effective diameter that needs to be overcome during application is reduced. Each ring part can be applied independently with smaller circumferential force requirements, as the stocking end only needs to pass between the two separate parts rather than around a complete large-diameter circle. This segmentation maintains adaptability to different leg shapes while significantly reducing the force needed during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If the outer ring has U-shaped cross-section for clamping, then the clamping function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling the radial shifting movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping functionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex U-shaped cross-section with radial shifting mechanisms is replaced by simple elastic retention. The outer ring is made from elastic material that naturally retains the stocking through its elastic properties when stretched over the leg and released. This eliminates the need for controlled radial shifting movements and complex geometric shapes, allowing users to simply don and doff the device without requiring precise control of movement trajectories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8162188B2Aid for taking off stockings
Publication Date: 2012.04.24 WESTERBOS STEVEN BERNARDUS ANTONIUS
  • US8162188B2 patent drawing
  • US8162188B2 patent drawing
  • US8162188B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stocking take-off assistance device suitable as aid for taking of stockings, particularly elastic support stockings, the stocking take-off assistance device including at least one substantially annular inner device suitable to be arranged around a leg and to receive the turned upper edge of a stocking, a substantially annular outer device matching the annular inner device, suitable to be arranged around the leg and around the inner device such that an upper edge of a stocking folded around the annular inner device can be clamped between the annular inner device and the annular outer device. The annular inner device is not completely closed but extends over an angle (α) smaller than 360°. Likewise, the annular outer device is not completely closed but extends over an angle (β) smaller than 360°.