Swim Aid With Elastic Armbands for Secure Arm Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim aids with non-adjustable or difficult-to-adjust armbands often fail to fit wearers of varying arm sizes and can come off unexpectedly during water activities, especially when wet.
Innovation Solution
The swim aid features adjustable armbands with elastic elements that automatically conform to the wearer's arm size, eliminating the need for manual adjustments through buckles or straps, and includes a torso flotation pad connected to adjustable armband pads with elastic material for a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable armbands are used, then the device structure is simple, but the armbands do not fit wearers having various sized arms
Solution Approach 1:
The armband incorporates an elastic element that allows the armband to dynamically adjust its circumference to fit different arm sizes. The elastic element enables the armband to stretch and conform to the wearer's arm, providing adaptability without requiring multiple size options or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The armband utilizes the elastic property of the elastic element to change the physical parameter of armband circumference. By incorporating this elastic element, the armband can automatically adjust its size parameter to match different arm circumferences, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable armbands with buckles or straps are used, then the armbands can fit various arm sizes, but the adjustment mechanisms are difficult to operate when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element automatically adjusts the armband fit without requiring manual operation of buckles or straps. The elastic property enables the armband to self-adjust to the wearer's arm size, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms that become difficult to operate when wet.
3Reliability
If non-adjustable armbands are used, then the device structure is simple, but the armbands come off unexpectedly during water activities
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides dynamic adaptation to the wearer's arm, allowing the armband to maintain secure fit during water activities. The elastic property enables the armband to stretch and conform to the arm's shape, preventing the armband from coming off unexpectedly while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 adjustable armbands provide a secure and comfortable fit without the need for manual adjustments, ensuring the swim aid remains in place during water activities, regardless of arm size, and can be easily donned and doffed.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable armband flotation pads each may have a varying thickness, with the adjustable armband flotation pads being thicker on the outside of the wearer's arm than on a wearer's underarm. The interior portion of one or both adjustable armband pads is preferably lined with elastic material. Because of this elastic material, each of the adjustable armband pads may alternate between a relaxed state or expanded state.
Data Source
AI summary
A swim aid comprising a torso flotation pad, an attachment member, a right armband flotation pad and a left armband flotation pad. The right armband flotation pad is operatively connected to the torso flotation pad and includes an opening for receiving the right arm of a wearer. The left armband flotation pad is also operatively connected to the torso flotation pad and includes an opening for receiving the left arm of a wearer. At least one of the right or left armband flotation pads includes elastic material for expanding and compressing the armband flotation pads on the wearer's arm, reducing the need for buckles or straps.