Compression Stocking Donning Ring and Retractor for Independent Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users, especially elderly or those with limited mobility, face difficulties in putting on and keeping on therapeutic stockings due to discomfort, aesthetics, and the need for assistance, which leads to non-compliance with medical prescriptions, as existing devices are cumbersome and require leg elevation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a deformable ring for rolling stockings, a cylindrical support with grooves, and a retractor tool with a variable annular portion and handle, allowing for easy rolling and unrolling without leg elevation, facilitating comfortable and independent donning of stockings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stocking devices are used, then stockings can be put on, but the devices are cumbersome and require assistance from a third person
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a support element with grooves for stocking placement, a rolling element for compression application, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device manageable and simple to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the user to don stockings independently without requiring assistance from another person. The rolling element applies compression automatically as the user operates the handle, and the support element maintains proper stocking positioning throughout the process, making the entire procedure self-service capable.
2Ease of operation
If existing stocking devices are used, then stockings can be applied, but the patient must raise the legs to empty veins before wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element applies compression to the leg and empties the veins through venous return before the stocking is fully donned. This preliminary compression action prepares the leg for stocking application, eliminating the need for separate leg elevation steps that would otherwise be required to empty veins.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element acts as an intermediary mechanism that applies controlled compression to the leg, facilitating venous emptying and preparing the tissue for stocking application. This intermediary action replaces the need for gravitational drainage through leg elevation.
3Reliability
If stockings are put on conventionally, then they can be worn, but there is difficulty in keeping them on and maintaining comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element applies continuous compression along the leg as the stocking is donned, ensuring uniform pressure distribution from the start. This continuous compression action maintains proper stocking positioning and prevents slipping or rolling during wear, improving both retention and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the pressure parameter applied to the leg during donning by using the rolling element to apply controlled compression. This parameter change ensures optimal stocking fit and positioning, improving retention reliability while maintaining comfort through controlled pressure application.
4Reliability
If therapeutic stockings are worn, then medical efficacy is achieved, but they are anti-aesthetic and reduce comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves in the support element are positioned to align with specific anatomical regions of the leg, providing localized support and proper stocking positioning at critical areas. This localized approach ensures medical efficacy is maintained while improving overall comfort and aesthetic appearance through proper fit.
Data Source
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AI summary
Stocking aid device for medical stockings comprising a support (2) of extended shape, which permits to execute the rolling procedure of the stocking (C) around a ring (1) once the support has been inserted into the stocking and a retractor tool (3), on which the rolled stocking is positioned, capable to enlarge the toroidal portion of the rolled stocking to aid the insertion therein of the limb.