U-Shaped Tilt Caddy with Sliding Handle for Sock Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with physical limitations, such as disabilities, amputations, or conditions like muscular dystrophy, face challenges in donning socks independently due to the need for bending or using both hands, leading to difficulties in dressing and potential assistance dependence.
Innovation Solution
A sock donning apparatus featuring a horizontal base with a U-shaped caddy and tilt unit, allowing for foot insertion without pulling or bending, and a hook member for reactive force, enabling easy sock donning without assistance, suitable for various sock sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sock donning methods are used, then socks can be worn, but individuals with physical limitations require bending or using both hands, leading to difficulty and dependence on assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sock donning process into distinct functional zones: the U-shaped caddy holds the sock, the tilt unit provides angular adjustment, and the hook member anchors the device. This segmentation allows each component to address specific difficulties faced by users with physical limitations, eliminating the need for bending or complex hand movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanical system between the user and the sock. Instead of directly manipulating the sock with hands, the user interacts with the device's handle and tilt mechanism, which then performs the sock donning action. This intermediary system bridges the gap caused by physical limitations.
2Ease of operation
If sock donning requires bending or using both hands, then socks can be donned, but it becomes difficult for individuals with disabilities, amputations, or muscular dystrophy
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service sock donning by providing a mechanical system that users can operate independently. The tilt unit allows users to adjust the caddy angle using minimal effort, and the hook member secures the device without requiring assistance. This self-service capability empowers individuals with physical limitations to dress themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements, particularly the tilt unit that allows angular adjustment of the caddy. This dynamic adjustment capability adapts the device to different user needs and sock types without increasing overall complexity, maintaining ease of operation while accommodating various physical limitations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized device is created to assist sock donning, then independence is improved, but device complexity and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by designing the U-shaped caddy and tilt unit to accommodate various sock sizes and types without requiring multiple specialized components. The adjustable tilt mechanism and open U-shape design allow the same device structure to serve multiple functions across different user needs and sock varieties, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for donning socks 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 semi-cylindrical caddy and pivotally connected to a head portion of the base. The semi-cylindrical caddy includes two elongated slider channels, that allow a handle assembly of the apparatus to slide back-and-forth within the elongated slider channels. The handle assembly includes a telescopic right-side rod and a generally-parallel telescopic left-side rod, which are interconnected by a generally-horizontal fixed-size bridge handle.