Zipper Engagement Cuff with Extension for Arthritis Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current universal zipper openers require specific hand movements and strength, making them difficult for individuals with conditions like arthritis or cerebral palsy to use, as they often need to pinch and grip to attach the device to a zipper, which is challenging for those with limited hand function and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A cuff device with curved ends and extensions, such as hooks, that can be easily positioned on a user's hand, allowing the use of larger arm muscles to engage and disengage a zipper by sliding the bottom stop into the slider and pulling the zipper handle, reducing the need for fine motor skills and grip strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chain and hook design is used to attach the device to the zipper, then the device can engage with the zipper mechanism, but the user must have moderate to advanced fine motor skills to pinch the zipper tab and manipulate the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hook component from the device design. Instead of requiring the user to manually attach a hook to the zipper tab, the device uses a cuff that slides over the zipper pull tab directly, eliminating the need for pinching and hook manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the attachment function from the pulling function. The cuff portion provides attachment by sliding over the zipper tab, while the extension provides the pulling action, allowing each component to perform its function independently without requiring fine motor coordination between multiple actions.
2Ease of operation
If the user must grip onto a rod or ring component to use the zipper opener, then the device can be held and manipulated, but users with limited hand function, dexterity, and strength cannot pinch or form a fist to hold onto the opener
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for gripping by removing traditional grip-based components like rods or rings that require hand closure. The cuff design slides over the zipper tab without requiring the user to form a fist or apply pinching force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff is designed as a flexible band that can slide over the zipper tab and conform to the hand and zipper geometry, providing attachment without requiring rigid gripping structures that demand hand strength and dexterity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If most zipper openers only help users open or close a zipper, then the device focuses on the zipper mechanism, but they do not assist with the full dressing process
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to assist with the complete zipper operation process including positioning the bottom stop into the slider, engaging the zipper pull, and pulling the zipper closed or open. The cuff and extension combination provides multiple functions within a single device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for engaging a zipper is described. The device includes a cuff having a substantially flat central region with two opposing ends curved towards each other, thereby defining a cuff inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one extension extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cuff. Also described are methods of engaging or disengaging a zipper mechanism using the devices described herein.