Segmented Arm Guard with Elastic Biasing for Sun Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body covering devices for sun protection are either cumbersome, causing overheating, or do not adequately expose the underarm and hand, and lack a component for covering the chest, making them impractical for frequent sun exposure, especially for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A forearm guard and upper armguard made of flexible polystyrene material with hook and loop coupling, combined with a chest protector using elastic materials to allow for adjustable coverage without overheating, ensuring protection for the forearm, upper arm, and chest while allowing exposure of the underarm and hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a complete sleeve is worn to protect the entire arm from sunlight, then sun protection coverage is improved, but the device causes overheating and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides arm protection into separate components: a forearm guard for the lower arm and hand, and an upper armguard for the upper arm. This segmentation allows selective coverage of sun-exposed areas while leaving the underarm exposed for ventilation and heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive sun protection and overheating prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a complete sleeve is worn to protect the entire arm, then sun protection is improved, but the device does not allow exposure of the underarm and hand
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is segmented into modular components that can be independently worn and adjusted. The forearm guard covers the hand and lower arm while leaving the upper arm and underarm exposed. The upper armguard can be added or removed based on sun exposure conditions, providing adjustable coverage that balances protection with comfort and breathability.
3Temperature
If multiple components are used to allow partial coverage, then overheating is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forearm guard and upper armguard are designed as separate but complementary components that can be easily combined or used independently. Each component is self-contained with its own coupling mechanism (hook and loop fasteners), allowing users to assemble the complete protection system or wear only the necessary portion based on sun exposure conditions, simplifying the user experience despite the modular design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a chest covering component is added to protect the chest area, then sun protection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper armguard is designed with versatility to serve multiple functions: it can protect the upper arm independently, combine with the forearm guard for extended coverage, or be worn alone during less intense sun exposure. The coupling mechanisms allow flexible configuration adapting to different sun exposure scenarios, making the device universally applicable rather than requiring a fixed complex structure.
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 provides effective sunburn protection for drivers by allowing adjustable coverage of the forearm, upper arm, and chest while keeping the underarm and hand exposed, preventing overheating and ensuring comfort during prolonged sun exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is attached to the second panel for biasing the first and second side edges toward each other
Implementation Method 2
A coupler is attached to the first panel for selectively coupling an inner surface of the first panel adjacent to the first lateral edge to an outer surface of the first panel adjacent to the second lateral edge
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of preventing sunburn includes a forearm guard, which includes a first panel having a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A coupler is attached to the first panel for selectively coupling an inner surface of the first panel to an outer surface of the first panel. The forearm guard is extended around a forearm and coupled thereto with the coupler. An upper armguard includes a second panel having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A biasing member is attached to the second panel for biasing the first and second side edges toward each other. An arm may be extended between the biasing member and the second panel so that the upper armguard is positioned on a front portion of an upper arm.