Forearm Hydration Pack With Glove Support for Hands-Free Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration systems for athletes are cumbersome and inefficient, hindering performance by placing hydration systems on the lower back, which can lead to mobility issues and long-term injuries, and often require athletes to stop to refill, wasting time and potentially losing the race.
Innovation Solution
A refillable hydration system with a flexible hose and mouth valve attached to the forearm and wrist via ambidextrous strapping, allowing for hands-free hydration and easy refilling without stopping, incorporating ergonomic design and storage options for personal items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing harness hydrate systems are used, then hydration capacity is provided, but mobility and performance are hindered due to cumbersome design
Solution Approach 1:
The hydration system is segmented into separate functional components: a lightweight hydration pack with reservoir, flexible tubing, and mouth valve. This segmentation allows the water storage to be separated from the drinking mechanism, enabling athletes to carry hydration capacity without the burden of cumbersome integrated harness systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional back-mounted hydration packs to a configuration where the reservoir can be positioned in various locations (back pack, belt pack, or handheld), and the tubing routes water to the mouth through flexible pathways. This dimensional flexibility optimizes both hydration capacity and athletic mobility.
2Quantity of substance
If belly bags and rucksacks are used for hydration, then water storage is achieved, but ergonomic efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drinking mechanism (mouth valve and tubing) is extracted from the traditional belly bag or rucksack design. Athletes can now use simple, lightweight packs or even handheld bottles with integrated valves, eliminating the need for complex harness systems while maintaining adequate water storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydration system provides localized water access at the mouth through the flexible tubing and valve mechanism, rather than requiring the entire pack structure to be ergonomically optimized. This allows the pack itself to be simple while the local drinking interface remains functional and easy to use.
3Quantity of substance
If existing hydrate systems are used during competition, then hydration is available, but time is lost during refilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth valve mechanism enables athletes to refill their hydration systems independently and quickly during competition. The valve is designed to be operated easily with one hand, allowing athletes to top up their reservoirs without stopping completely or requiring assistance from race officials or support staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydration system is pre-filled and ready for use before the competition begins. The reservoir can be quickly topped up at the start line or during transitions, and the flexible tubing is pre-routed to allow immediate drinking without adjustment or setup time during the event.
4Quantity of substance
If lower back placement is used for hydrate systems, then hydration capacity is carried, but risk of long term injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydration capacity from the body's weight-bearing structures. Instead of placing heavy packs on the lower back, the reservoir can be distributed across the back, worn on the belt, or carried in the hand, while the lightweight tubing and valve system deliver water to the mouth without imposing significant load on any single body region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the weight distribution parameters by using lightweight materials for the reservoir and tubing. This allows adequate hydration capacity to be carried with minimal impact on the lower back, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining hydration availability throughout the competition.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing apparatus securable to the arm of a user comprises a liquid vessel (A) having a chamber for receiving and storing liquid, a liquid conduit having a first end in liquid communication with the chamber and a second end connected to a conduit valve for controlling the flow of liquid through the conduit, and at least two securing members (B, C) for securing the apparatus to an arm of a user, the first member (C) comprising a glove support for coupling to at least a portion of the user's hand and a second member (B) for coupling to the user's fore-arm.