Elastomeric Wristband with Deflection Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes face issues with sweaty, slippery hands during sports, especially in high temperature and humidity environments, as existing sweatbands become saturated and ineffective, leading to compromised grip and heat strain.
Innovation Solution
A non-moisture absorbent, elastomeric wristband with a central aperture and protrusions that deflect sweat away from the body, preventing it from reaching the hands and allowing for proactive management of perspiration without saturation issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional moisture absorbent sweatbands are used, then perspiration is absorbed initially, but the material becomes saturated and performance deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a non-absorbent material that redirects sweat through channels instead of absorbing it. The elastomeric body with integrated channels actively directs perspiration away from the body, preventing saturation issues inherent in absorbent materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from moisture-absorbent to non-absorbent elastomeric material. This parameter change fundamentally alters the sweat management mechanism from passive absorption to active redirection, enabling continuous performance without saturation.
2Ease of operation
If absorbent materials are used to manage sweat, then sweat is captured, but the material requires frequent washing and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sweat from the material itself by using a non-absorbent surface with integrated channels. Sweat is directed through channels and removed from the contact area without being absorbed into the material, eliminating the need for frequent washing to remove absorbed perspiration.
3Reliability
If sweat accumulates on hands during exercise, then grip is compromised, but redirecting sweat requires additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sweat redirection function directly into the wristband structure itself. The elastomeric body with integrated channels combines sweat collection, transport, and discharge functions in a single unified structure, avoiding the need for separate complex redirection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to sweat management by creating three-dimensional channels within the elastomeric body. These channels provide a pathway for sweat to travel from the contact surface away from the hand, adding a spatial dimension to the sweat redirection process.
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 solution effectively reduces sweat on the palms, maintaining grip and preventing heat strain, as the non-absorbent material does not decline in performance and requires less maintenance than traditional sweatbands.
Implementation Method 1
a non-moisture absorbent, elastomeric body... having a first protrusion extending from the elastomeric body, the protrusion having a first longitudinally extending channel defined therein
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device is provided which redirects perspiration away from a user's hands, feet and other extremities. The device may be fashioned as a band which is equipped with a channel structure extending around the entire surface of the band. The channel structure includes a channel base and a channel lip. The channel structure forms a perspiration channel with a flared lip. The channel base has a first thickness Tc at a central portion thereof, and a second thickness Te at end portions thereof, wherein Te<Tc. The channel base slopes from the central portion downward toward the end portions thereof, transitioning from the first thickness Tc to the second thickness Te. In some embodiments, the device is equipped with at least one pointed tip which directs the flow of perspiration away from the user's extremities. In some embodiments, when the device is not being used as a perspiration deflector, it may be used as a flying toy which can be thrown and caught.