Elastic Sleeve with Restraining Tubes for Elbow Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes face difficulties in maintaining the proper 90-degree elbow angle during training in ball handling sports, as previous devices were cumbersome, limited to static drills, and needed to be removed for other practices, failing to provide continuous resistance for muscle memory development.

Innovation Solution

An elastic sleeve with flexible, semi-rigid restraining tubes above and below the elbow joint, allowing only a 90-degree elbow movement, constructed from elastic material with foam for comfort and durability, which can be worn during extensive training and removed during games for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If strap or string restraint devices are used to provide resistance for proper elbow angle, then elbow angle control is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to being cumbersome and limited to static drills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow angle controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two independent restraining tubes positioned above and below the elbow joint, allowing each tube to function independently in controlling elbow flexion. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to a single complex restraint mechanism while maintaining effective angle control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining tubes are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt dynamically to the athlete's movements. The tubes provide resistance that varies with the elbow angle, being most restrictive at 90 degrees and more permissive at other angles, enabling both dynamic training and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If strap or string restraint devices are used to provide resistance, then elbow angle control is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they need to be removed for other drills and practices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow angle controlVSAvoidpractice environment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining tubes are constructed as flexible elements rather than rigid straps or strings. This flexibility allows the device to be worn continuously during various types of practice without interfering with other drills, as the tubes can bend and move with the arm while maintaining their angle-control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be universally applicable across multiple practice scenarios. The flexible restraining tubes can accommodate various movements beyond static drills, allowing athletes to use the device during dynamic training, different skill practices, and extended wear periods without removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid restraining structures are used to enforce 90 degree elbow angle, then angle control is improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelbow angle controlVSAvoidwearability and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining tubes are made from flexible materials that can bend and conform to the arm's shape and movement. This flexibility maintains the 90-degree angle control function while significantly improving comfort and ease of wear compared to rigid structures, allowing athletes to wear the device during extended practice sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the restraining tubes are specifically selected to provide optimal flexibility and elasticity. The tubes have controlled stiffness that provides sufficient resistance for angle control while remaining soft enough for comfortable wear, achieving a balance between functional precision and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 elastic sleeve effectively trains athletes to maintain the proper elbow angle throughout dynamic training sessions, providing continuous resistance for muscle memory development while being comfortable and removable for games, offering protection when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic material in the form of a pull-up sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

constructed from elastic material with foam for comfort and durability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8939853B1Article of manufacture for the training of athletes in the skills, shooting, dribbling and throwing of ball sports

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 KARN CHARLES ALAN

AI summary

An article of manufacture for the training of athletes in the skills, shooting, dribbling and throwing of ball sports with an elastic material in the form of a pull-up sleeve, a sleeve that is pulled up and worn above and below the elbow with the restraining tubes on the top and bottom of the inside of the elbow joint, a sleeve that has 2 (two) flexible, semi-rigid restraining tubes above and below the elbow, the restraining mechanism will only allow the elbow joint to close to 90 degrees, a sleeve that remains in place during extensive use with the sleeve construction of and in elastic or stretchable material and foams, and the sleeve can be turned to the back of the elbow to protect the elbow joint.