Tilting Sock Caddy Structure for Independent One-Hand Donning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with physical limitations, such as disabilities or conditions like muscular dystrophy, face difficulties in donning socks independently due to existing devices being complex, requiring two hands, or assistance, and not accommodating various physical constraints.

Innovation Solution

A sock donning apparatus featuring a horizontal base with a U-shaped caddy and tilt unit, allowing for easy insertion of the foot without requiring a pulling motion or bending, and a hook member for reactive force, enabling independent sock donning without assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing sock donning devices are used, then socks can be worn, but the devices are complex and require two hands or assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sock donningVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base structure, a tilt unit with pivot mechanism, and a caddy for sock placement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to pull the sock up manually, the device inverts the approach by using a tilting mechanism that automatically guides the sock onto the foot through gravitational force and mechanical motion, eliminating the need for complex hand operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If existing sock donning devices are used, then socks can be worn, but assistance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent sock donningVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service operation by incorporating a tilt unit that allows the user to independently control the sock donning process through simple tilting motions, eliminating the need for external assistance while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic elements including a pivotally connected tilt unit and movable caddy that can tilt and rotate, allowing the mechanism to adapt to the user's movements and perform the sock donning action automatically through controlled motion rather than static positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex devices are used for sock donning, then assistance is reduced, but the devices are difficult to use and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to physical limitationsVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal applicability through its adjustable tilt unit and versatile caddy structure that can accommodate different sock types, sizes, and user physical limitations, while maintaining a simple enough design for easy maintenance and repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 individuals with physical limitations to don socks independently with minimal strain and without assistance, accommodating different sizes and types of socks, and being easy to use and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

a substantially horizontal base; an elongated U-shaped, semi-cylindrical caddy on which a sock positioned inside out is fittable and into an interior of which a foot is insertable; and a tilt unit coupled to said caddy and pivotally connected to a head portion of said base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a tilt unit coupled to said caddy and pivotally connected to a head portion of said base... The tilt unit and the caddy are able to be tilted about a horizontal axis during a sock donning operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9119494B2Apparatus for wearing socks

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 BOARON REUVEN

AI summary

Apparatus for donning or wearing socks, and method of using such apparatus. The apparatus includes: a substantially horizontal base; an elongated U-shaped, semi-cylindrical caddy on which a sock positioned inside out is fittable and into an interior of which a foot is insertable; and a tilt unit coupled to the caddy and pivotally connected to a head portion of the base. The base is T-shaped and is configurable by an elongated main portion and two spaced, forwardly positioned head portions. The tilt unit is insertable within an interspace between the two head portions. The tilt unit is pivotally connected to the two head portions by at least one coupled horizontally disposed pin which is substantially perpendicular to the main portion. The tilt unit and the caddy are able to be tilted about a horizontal axis during a sock donning operation.