Elastic Stocking Pulling Aid With Tensioned Low-Friction Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aids for therapeutic elastic stockings are ineffective for both putting on and taking off, requiring significant force and often causing damage due to high friction and the tendency to slide off during application.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, tube-like aid with a smooth peripheral body and lining, equipped with tensioning means such as elastic bands, allows for easy application and removal by securing around the leg and minimizing friction through smooth materials and adjustable tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aid is made from smooth material to reduce friction during application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aid cannot be securely held in position on the leg during use
Solution Approach 1:
The aid combines smooth material in the tube portion for low friction during application, with a rougher grip portion that provides increased friction for secure holding during use. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the same aid to fulfill both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The aid transitions from a passive smooth surface to an active gripping surface through user interaction. When the user grasps the grip portion, the rougher surface provides friction for secure holding, while the smooth tube portion maintains low friction for easy application and removal.
2Device complexity
If the stocking is pulled off directly without aid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force required and risk of damage increases due to high friction
Solution Approach 1:
The aid acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the stocking. The smooth tube portion allows the stocking to slide off easily with minimal friction, while the grip portion provides the user with a secure hold. This intermediary device reduces the force required compared to direct manual removal.
3Reliability
If the aid is designed to fit tightly to prevent sliding off, then the position stability is improved, but the ease of application worsens due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The aid differentiates between the tube portion and grip portion in terms of surface properties. The tube portion remains smooth for easy application, while the grip portion has increased friction for secure holding. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of application and position stability.
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 effortless and frictionless application and removal of elastic stockings, reducing user exertion and preventing damage, while maintaining the aid's position during use.
Implementation Method 1
the aid also comprises tensioning means with which the aid can be secured at least temporarily round a leg
Implementation Method 2
only a small force need be exerted because of the easy sliding of the elastic stocking over the smooth material of the peripheral body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aid for pulling elastic stockings on and off. The aid comprises a flexible, tube-like peripheral body of a smooth material with an insertion end for a foot. The peripheral body is provided with a lining of a smooth material which is attached to the peripheral body at the position of the insertion end and can otherwise be moved freely relative to the peripheral body from an inward folded position, in which the lining is situated in the peripheral body, to an outward folded position in which the lining is situated outside the peripheral body. The peripheral body further comprises tensioning means with which the aid can be secured at least temporarily round a leg. This makes the aid suitable for both pulling on and pulling off elastic stockings.