Elastic Forearm Sleeve with Biasing Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for assisting golfers and other athletes in maintaining a straight forearm during sporting actions are often uncomfortable, restrictive, and complex, failing to allow natural flexion and supination/pronation movements, which can disrupt the athlete's rhythm and technique.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve made of stretchable material with adjustable biasing means, comprising flexible rod assemblies that resist forearm flexion while allowing natural movement, maintaining the forearm in a straight position with adjustable tension to accommodate different arm strengths and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid brace is used to keep the arm straight, then the forearm extension is maintained, but the device becomes uncomfortable and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid braces with a flexible sleeve made of elastic material that covers the forearm. This flexible shell maintains the straightening function while allowing natural movement and providing comfort, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjustable tensioning mechanisms (such as elastic bands or springs) within the flexible sleeve to modify the degree of resistance against forearm bending. This allows the device to adapt to different users and situations, maintaining extension stability while adjusting comfort levels
2Stability of the object's composition
If the arm is kept straight all the time, then the forearm extension is maintained, but the device becomes complex and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of maintaining forearm extension from complex rigid structures and implements it through a simple flexible sleeve with tensioning elements. This simplifies the device while retaining the core functionality, making it easier to put on and remove
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve design inherently simplifies the device structure compared to rigid braces with multiple components. The sleeve can be easily donned and doffed without complex fastening or adjustment mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a pliable member with reinforcing element is used, then comfort is improved, but resistance to arm movement remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable tensioning mechanisms that allow users to modify the resistance force provided by the elastic material. This enables the device to provide appropriate resistance for training purposes while maintaining comfort through adjustable parameters
4Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot lock mechanism is used, then the arm can be unlocked during swing, but the device becomes complex and difficult to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve design naturally allows for adaptive movement control without requiring mechanical pivot locks or complex fastening systems. The elastic material itself provides the adaptive resistance needed during different phases of the swing
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tensioning system automatically adjusts to the user's movements and strength, providing appropriate resistance without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems
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 device allows for precise control of forearm extension while enabling natural flexion and supination/pronation, reducing discomfort and complexity, thus improving the athlete's technique and maintaining the correct alignment during critical phases of the sporting action.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary patch of stretchable material attached to the posterior side of the sleeve. The secondary patch comprises at least two channels extending substantially along the length of the sleeve on either side of the elbow point, which is adapted to house biasing means therein. The biasing means provide adjustable tension to resist the flexion movements of the player's arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device for resisting a movement of a player's leading forearm during a sporting action. The device comprises a sleeve made of stretchable material configured to removably cover the player's forearm and upper arm, and a secondary patch of stretchable material attached to the posterior side of the sleeve. The secondary patch comprises at least two channels extending substantially along the length of the sleeve on either side of the elbow point, which is adapted to house biasing means therein. The biasing means provide adjustable tension to resist the flexion movements of the player's arm during the sporting action and maintaining the forearm in a straight, fully-extended position relative to the upper arm when the user relaxes the musculature in the forearm encased by the sleeve.