Glove-Integrated Thumb Brace for Golf Swing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing the thumb during sports activities, such as golf and baseball, are either impractical, too restrictive, or cumbersome, as they either require the use of a splint or athletic tape, which are difficult to use with athletic gloves and provide limited usability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, elongated brace with a sleeve for the digit and a fastener system that integrates with an athletic glove, allowing for secure attachment and stabilization of the thumb during motion, while being easy to wear and remove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a splint is used to stabilize the thumb, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the player cannot wear a glove and splint simultaneously and the splint is too restrictive for proper swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb stabilization device is divided into separate components: a glove with integrated thumb support structure and a separate stabilizing element that can be attached or removed independently. This segmentation allows the user to wear the glove for normal operation while adding stabilization only when needed, resolving the conflict between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb stabilization device incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement within the stabilization structure. The design permits natural thumb motion and swinging movements while providing stability against excessive or injurious movements, thus maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If athletic tape is used to stabilize the thumb, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for proper wrapping configuration and tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The glove-integrated stabilization device is designed to be self-adjusting and self-regulating. The structural elements of the glove automatically provide the necessary support and tension when worn, eliminating the need for complex manual wrapping procedures. The device serves itself by utilizing the natural fit and tension of the glove material.
3Stability of the object's composition
If athletic tape is used to stabilize the thumb, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because simultaneous use with glove is difficult and periodic replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is merged with the glove itself, creating an integrated device where the thumb support is built into the glove structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate tape applications and allows the stabilization to function continuously throughout the entire period the glove is worn, eliminating replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove provides continuous stabilization throughout the entire duration of wear, offering more coverage and protection than traditional tape applications. The stabilization is maintained for the complete period the glove is worn, eliminating the need for periodic replacement and ensuring consistent protection during all activities.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to stabilize the thumb, then stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device utilizes flexible materials and thin film structures that can conform to the shape of the thumb and hand. These flexible elements provide structural support and stability while maintaining the ability to adapt to different glove designs and user anatomy, resolving the conflict between rigidity for stability and flexibility for adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with an athletic glove which helps stabilize a digit, in particular, a thumb, as a hand is moved in a variety of motions, such as swinging a golf club. The apparatus has a sleeve at a first end in which a portion of the digit may be placed. The body of the apparatus is positioned across the palm side of the hand, around a lateral side thereof, and around the backside thereof. A second end of the apparatus may be inserted through an opening in an athletic glove, between the wrist strap and wrist flap thereof. The second end may have a fastener configured to engage fasteners of the wrist strap and wrist flap of the glove. A stabilizing insert may be engaged with the body of the apparatus and partially inserted into the sleeve thereof, before being placed around a thumb.