Watersport Hiking Support Sleeve with Stretch Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hiking support systems integrated into wetsuits face issues with durability, comfort, and effectiveness due to direct connection, which leads to material stretching and failure to maintain support, resulting in increased weight and reduced comfort.
Innovation Solution
A hiking support system comprising a sleeve portion with a pocket for resilient pads, featuring a stretch gradient and gripping material, allowing for customizable pad combinations and a separate, lighter wetsuit design that wraps over the sleeves for improved support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hiking support system is connected directly to the wetsuit, then the support structure is stable, but the wetsuit material stretches and fails to maintain support over time
Solution Approach 1:
The hiking support system is separated from the wetsuit into an independent component. The sleeve portion with pad pocket is worn underneath the wetsuit, allowing the support system to maintain its structural integrity without being affected by wetsuit material stretching. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling the support system to remain stable while the wetsuit can be made from flexible materials.
2Reliability
If the wetsuit is made tight fitting to compensate for support failure, then the hiking support maintains position, but the wetsuit becomes uncomfortable and less durable
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the support system from the wetsuit, the wetsuit no longer needs to be made tight-fitting to maintain support position. The independent sleeve portion with pad pocket provides the necessary support stability, allowing the wetsuit to be made from comfortable, flexible materials without compromising support reliability.
3Reliability
If the wetsuit is made from thick abrasive resistant material, then the wetsuit durability is improved, but the wetsuit becomes heavier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The hiking support system is separated from the wetsuit, allowing the wetsuit to be made from lighter, more comfortable materials without compromising durability. The independent sleeve portion with pad pocket provides the necessary support and abrasion resistance, freeing the wetsuit material selection from weight and comfort constraints.
4Reliability
If the sleeve portion is made to restrict movement, then the hiking support effectiveness is improved, but the sleeve reduces flexibility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve portion incorporates a stretch gradient with different stretch characteristics in different regions. The stretch gradient restricts movement in the vertical direction (where hiking support is needed) while allowing horizontal stretching for comfort and flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing direction-specific mechanical properties.
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 system provides enhanced support and comfort by restricting sleeve movement, allowing for customizable stiffness and flexibility, reducing muscle fatigue while hiking, and optimizing torque for sailing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sleeve portion having a pocket for receiving at least one resilient pad of predetermined stiffness
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve portion is preferably adapted to include a stretch gradient for restricting movement of the sleeve portion during use
Implementation Method 3
an internal band of gripping material for griping the leg of the user and reducing the possibility of the system moving down the leg during use
Data Source
AI summary
A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a pair of sleeves tailored with pockets under each thigh that allow for supporting pads to be inserted in various combinations. The pads are ergonomically designed and can be designed with internal fibreglass battens, or moulded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimise grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.