Watersport Hiking Support System with Stretch Gradient Sleeve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hiking support systems integrated with wetsuits for sailing are prone to failure due to material stretch and discomfort, as they are made of thick, abrasive-resistant materials that are heavy and less comfortable, and fail to maintain firm positioning of support pads or battens.
Innovation Solution
A hiking support system comprising a sleeve portion with a pocket for resilient pads, featuring a stretch gradient and gripping material to restrict movement, allowing for customizable pad stiffness and placement, and a separate, lighter wetsuit design that wraps over the support system for improved comfort and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wetsuit is made tight fitting to compensate for material stretch, then the hiking support can maintain position, but the wetsuit becomes less comfortable and more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The hiking support system is separated from the wetsuit into an independent wearable component. The support system includes a sleeve portion with pockets for resilient pads, designed to be worn separately and fastened around the leg, rather than being integrated into the wetsuit fabric itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve portion incorporates a stretch gradient with different stretch characteristics in different areas. The material has reduced stretch in specific zones to maintain pad position stability, while other areas maintain normal stretch for comfort and flexibility.
2Strength
If thick abrasive resistant material is used for the wetsuit, then durability is improved, but the wetsuit becomes heavier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The hiking support function is segmented from the wetsuit into a separate wearable system. This allows the wetsuit to use lighter, more comfortable material while the separate support system provides the necessary durability and abrasion resistance where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve portion uses composite construction with a stretch gradient material that combines different fabric properties - areas with reduced stretch for support stability and areas with normal stretch for comfort. The resilient pads provide additional structural support.
3Device complexity
If the hiking support is connected directly to the wetsuit, then the structure is simplified, but the support fails to hold pads firmly due to material stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed as a separate wearable component with its own fastening mechanism, independent of the wetsuit. This segmentation allows the support system to maintain pad positioning stability without being affected by wetsuit material stretch.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve portion material parameters are specifically modified with a stretch gradient - reducing stretch in specific areas to maintain pad position while preserving enough stretch for comfort and flexibility during movement.
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 effective muscle support and reduced fatigue during hiking by maintaining pad position and comfort, allowing for customizable stiffness and flexibility based on sailing conditions, while the separate wetsuit design enhances user comfort and reduces weight.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient pad of predetermined stiffness
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve portion includes a stretch gradient for restricting movement of the sleeve portion 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 fiberglass battens, or molded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimize grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.