Neoprene Calf Protector with Hook and Loop Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for athletes' limbs, such as ankle and calf protectors, often rely on complex fastening systems like straps, snap fasteners, or multiple bands, which are not as effective or convenient as using hook and loop fasteners for providing friction protection during activities like rowing.
Innovation Solution
A calf protector made from a single strip of neoprene with hook and loop fasteners on its ends, allowing it to form a loop around the leg, providing protection from friction without the need for additional straps or shells, and can be easily adjusted by engaging the fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple straps with snap fasteners are used to secure the protector, then the protector can be firmly fixed, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate straps with snap fasteners are merged into a single continuous strip with hook and loop fasteners integrated at the ends. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the securing function, directly resolving the contradiction between fixing firmness and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical snap fastener system is replaced with a hook and loop fastener system. This substitution maintains reliable fixation while simplifying the operation from manual snapping to simple pressing, addressing both reliability and ease of operation concerns
2Reliability
If multiple straps and bands are used, then the protector can be securely fastened, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment straps are combined into a single strip where adjustment is achieved by repositioning the hook and loop fastener engagement point along the strip length. This reduces the number of separate adjustment operations from multiple strap adjustments to a single sliding and pressing action
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from fixed-position snap fasteners to a dynamic hook and loop system that allows continuous adjustment along the strip length. This enables flexible positioning while maintaining secure fastening, improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability
3Reliability
If a complex fastening system is used, then the protector can be firmly secured, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fastening components are merged into a single integrated strip design. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventory managed, and assembled, directly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining securing firmness through the continuous strip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The design adopts a simpler, potentially disposable single-use strip rather than a complex reusable multi-component system. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while providing adequate performance for the intended application lifecycle
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
Effectively protects the calves of rowers from friction injuries with a simple, inexpensive, and dependable mechanism that is easy to use and adjust, offering protection for both rowers and other individuals.
Implementation Method 1
stripS of hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as 'VELCRO®') on its ends. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loop fasteners on the outside surface at the opposite end of the strip
Implementation Method 2
to protect the back of the leg from friction against the front ends of rails on which the seats in a boat move when rowing
Data Source
AI summary
A calf protector for rowers, comprising a single strip of neoprene (or a similar synthetic or natural rubber) with strips of hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as “VELCRO®”) on its ends. The neoprene strip is wider in the main middle part, and narrower at the ends with the strips of hook and loop fasteners. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loop fasteners on the outside surface at the opposite end of the strip (or visa versa) so that it forms a loop around the rower's leg, to protect the back of the leg from friction against the front ends of rails on which the seats in a boat move when rowing. The invention may also be used by other persons to protect their legs and/or arms. The invention encompasses both an apparatus and a method for protecting limbs using the apparatus.