Neoprene Calf Protector with Hook-Loop Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for athletes' limbs, such as ankle and knee protectors, do not effectively address the specific issue of friction-induced injuries during rowing, particularly for the calves, as they are either overly complex, require multiple straps, or lack the necessary design to secure snugly around the leg.
Innovation Solution
A calf protector comprising a single strip of neoprene covered with fabric and equipped with hook fasteners on one end to engage loops on the opposite end, forming a loop around the leg, providing protection from friction against boat rails during rowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple straps with hook and loop fasteners are used to secure the protector, then the protection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple straps into a single continuous strip of neoprene material. This single strip wraps around the leg and uses hook fasteners on one end to engage with loops on the opposite end, creating a simplified yet effective single-strap design that maintains protection reliability while reducing device complexity
2Device complexity
If a single strap is used to simplify the design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the securing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single strip design incorporates dynamic wrapping capability, allowing the strip to be wrapped around the leg multiple times or adjusted to achieve the desired snug fit. The hook and loop fasteners provide adjustable securing that can accommodate different leg sizes and shapes, maintaining effectiveness despite the simplified single-strap structure
Solution Approach 2:
The strip is designed with varying widths along its length, with the middle section being wider to provide enhanced protection and comfort where needed, while the ends are narrower to facilitate wrapping and fastening. This local variation in quality optimizes both securing effectiveness and wearer comfort
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing ankle or knee protectors are used, then general limb protection is provided, but they fail to address friction-induced injuries specific to rowing
Solution Approach 1:
While specifically designed for rowing calf protection, the device maintains universal applicability through its adjustable single-strap design that can accommodate different leg sizes and shapes. The neoprene material provides both friction protection for rowing and general thermal insulation and support for other athletic activities, making it a versatile protective device
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 solution effectively protects rowers' calves from friction injuries by securing snugly around the leg with a simple, inexpensive, and dependable design that is specifically tailored for rowing, while also being adaptable for general limb protection.
Implementation Method 1
a strip of hook fasteners (as in VELCRO®) on one end that can engage loops on the fabric covering
Data Source
AI summary
A calf protector for rowers, comprising a single strip of neoprene (or a similar synthetic or natural rubber) covered by nylon (or other fabric having loops) with a strip of hook fasteners (as in VELCRO®) on one end. The neoprene strip is wider in the main middle part, and narrower at the ends. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loops in the fabric 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.