Limb Shielding Closure and Locking for Scratch Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional limb shielding devices, such as gloves and flexible shields, are ineffective in preventing scratching and often require assistance for attachment and detachment, are uncomfortable, and lack breathability, leading to hygiene issues and skin damage.

Innovation Solution

A limb shielding device with a shielding member, a closure member, and a locking arrangement that allows self-attachment and detachment, enabling the user to insert their hand, restrict the opening, and secure the closure member in a locked position without external help, while allowing for movement and airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional gloves or garments with integrated mittens are used, then the limb is covered to prevent scratching, but the fabric allows scratching through and may peel off the outer epidermis layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratching preventionVSAvoidexcoriation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rigid shield with a smooth inner surface that conforms to the hand shape, creating a protective barrier that prevents scratching without the fabric-induced excoriation problem. The shield's smooth surface eliminates the rubbing action that causes epidermis peeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shield incorporates breathable material that allows air circulation to the skin, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining skin health while providing physical protection against scratching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If gloves or garments are used to shield the limb, then coverage is provided, but they are insufficiently breathable making them unhygienic and uncomfortably hot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch protectionVSAvoidbreathability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is constructed from breathable material with porous structure that permits air circulation to the enclosed hand, preventing overheating and maintaining hygienic conditions while providing protective shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The shield features a curved, anatomically-contoured design that follows the natural shape of the hand and arm, optimizing air circulation patterns and comfort while maintaining effective shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a flexible shield with wrist wrap is used to shield the hand, then the hand is protected, but the user cannot perform meaningful function with the shielded hand and requires third party assistance for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand protectionVSAvoidself-attachment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shield incorporates a self-attaching mechanism including a closure member with locking arrangement that allows the user to secure the shield to their own arm without requiring assistance from another person, while maintaining effective hand protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shield design allows the enclosed hand to move freely within the shielding structure, maintaining functionality while providing protection. The dynamic interior space accommodates hand movements without compromising the shielding effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid shield is used to prevent scratching, then scratching is effectively blocked, but the device is difficult to attach and detach without third party assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch blockingVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is divided into modular components including the main shielding body, closure member, and locking arrangement, allowing simplified self-attachment while maintaining rigid protective structure. The segmented design enables independent manipulation of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield employs a simplified locking mechanism that replaces complex mechanical attachment systems, enabling easy self-attachment and detachment while maintaining the rigid structure necessary for effective scratch blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12496211B2Limb shielding devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 REUTER MORITZ EMIL

AI summary

The present invention is directed towards a limb shielding device, for shielding a user's hand. The device comprises a shielding member, configured to shield at least part of a user's limb, including the hand, which comprises an opening arranged at a proximal end of the shielding member and dimensioned to allow a user's limb to be inserted into the shielding member. The device also comprises a means for restricting the opening relative to the user's limb such that once the limb is inserted and the opening is restricted relative to the user's limb, the limb cannot be retracted through the opening. The device further comprises a closure member capable of being moved, by the user's hand within the shielding member, into a closed position such that at least part of the limb is constrained within the shielding member, and a locking arrangement for securing the closure member in the closed position.