Undergarment Finger Pulls for Dexterity-Limited Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional undergarments pose difficulties for individuals with dexterity and motor control issues, as they require manual dexterity to draw the garment up or down over the legs, and existing solutions like diaper-like structures have negative associations and do not adequately address these challenges.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates horizontally and vertically extending primary and secondary finger pulls made of elastic material around the waist opening, providing multiple grip points to facilitate easy donning and doffing, while maintaining a stylish appearance to avoid negative associations with medical gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional undergarments are designed with simple fabric edges for donning and doffing, then the garment structure remains simple and comfortable, but individuals with dexterity and motor control issues cannot easily grasp and manipulate the fabric edges
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first portion with a first color and a second portion with a second color, allowing different sections to serve different purposes. The finger pull tabs are separate detachable elements that can be attached to or removed from the waistband, enabling independent manipulation for easier donning and doffing while maintaining overall garment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Finger pull tabs serve as intermediary elements between the user's hands and the waistband. These tabs provide extended grip points that are easier to grasp and manipulate for individuals with dexterity issues. The tabs can be detached and reattached, allowing flexible use without permanently altering the waistband structure.
2Ease of operation
If diaper-like structures with fasteners are used to facilitate donning and doffing, then ease of operation improves for individuals with dexterity issues, but the garment acquires negative associations and resembles medical gear
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband incorporates multiple colors: a first color for the first portion and a second color for the second portion. The finger pull tabs can be a third color different from both the first and second colors. This multi-color scheme creates a visually appealing, stylish appearance that distinguishes the garment from medical-grade diaper-like structures while maintaining the functional benefits of extended grip points.
3Ease of manufacture
If the waistband is made with uniform material and structure, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but it does not provide adequate grip points for individuals with dexterity and motor control challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is divided into a first portion and a second portion with different colors, and finger pull tabs are added as separate elements. This segmentation allows the base waistband to remain simple for manufacturing while adding functional grip points through the detachable tabs that can be easily attached to either portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger pull tabs serve multiple functions: they provide extended grip points for easier grasping, they can be attached to different portions of the waistband (first or second portion) depending on user preference or need, and they can be detached when not needed. This multi-functionality is achieved with a simple detachable design that does not complicate manufacturing.
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
The undergarment design allows for easy and even pulling up and down, addressing dexterity and motor control challenges, while maintaining a visually appealing and non-medical appearance, enhancing user self-image.
Implementation Method 1
The undergarment includes horizontally and vertically extending primary and secondary finger pulls made of elastic material around the waist opening
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment for generally covering the pelvic region of a wearer is adapted to finger graspable pulls shaped and located to aid a wearer with diminished motor capacity and/or manual (i.e., hand) dexterity to more easily put on and take off the undergarment independently, without needing precise finger, hand, and arm control. The undergarment desirably uses materials, color choices, and decorative trim and elements to make the finger pulls and/or to decorate the undergarment to make the undergarment look more aesthetically appealing and reduce resemblance to specialty medical garment used by medical patients.