Adjustable Sleeve with Thumb Channel for Hand Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sleeves do not provide adequate protection for the hand and fingers from environmental conditions as they have a fixed length and do not extend to cover these areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve design with a third opening proximate the distal end, featuring a releasable fastener that allows the sleeve to change length, incorporating an insert that can be affixed to the sleeve to provide additional coverage when needed, and a thumb channel for dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional sleeves have a fixed length, then they maintain a simple structure and are easy to manufacture, but they do not provide adequate protection for the hand and fingers from environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates a releasable fastener system (such as a zipper) that allows the sleeve length to be dynamically adjusted. The fastener extends through the sleeve body, enabling the sleeve to transition between a shorter fixed-length state and a longer extended state that covers the hand and fingers, thus providing adaptability to different protection needs without permanently increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is divided into distinct functional segments: a main sleeve body, an insert portion that can be positioned within the sleeve, and a releasable fastener system. This segmentation allows the sleeve to be configured in different lengths by adjusting the position of the insert relative to the sleeve opening, providing protection coverage on demand while maintaining a simpler base structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sleeve is extended to cover the hand and fingers, then protection from environmental conditions is improved, but the sleeve may interfere with dexterity and manual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable fastener enables the sleeve length to be dynamically adjusted based on the user's needs. When dexterity is required, the fastener can be opened to retract the insert and shorten the sleeve, allowing full hand and finger movement. When protection is prioritized, the fastener can be closed to extend the sleeve coverage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between protection and dexterity by allowing the user to switch between states
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to be nestable within the sleeve body. When the releasable fastener is closed, the insert is contained within the sleeve, creating a compact configuration that provides extended protection. When the fastener is opened, the insert can be removed or retracted, allowing the sleeve to collapse to a shorter length that does not interfere with dexterity. This nesting mechanism allows the sleeve to occupy different volume states as needed
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a sleeve having a first length in a retracted state and a second length in an extended state. The sleeve may have a third opening positioned between first and second openings of a cylindrical tube. A releasable fastener may be affixed proximate the third opening and hold the sleeve in the retracted state when fastened and may allow the sleeve to move to the extended state when unfastened. An insert may be affixed around a perimeter of the third opening. The insert may include a thumb receiving portion. The thumb receiving portion may have a thumb opening. The insert may be retained interior to the cylindrical tube when the sleeve is in the retracted state.