Segmented Arm Warmer for Throwing Shoulder Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes participating in throwing activities face challenges in keeping their throwing arm warm during rest and warm-up periods without overheating the rest of their body, as full winter jackets are inefficient, clumsy, and prone to damage in dugout conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a single arm portion and a torso portion, made of flexible and rigid materials respectively, designed to cover the throwing arm and shoulder without extending to the opposite shoulder, with features like adjustable cuffs, zippers for ventilation, and pockets for heating/cooling packs, allowing for targeted warmth and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a full winter jacket is used to keep the throwing arm warm, then the throwing arm and shoulder remain warm, but the rest of the body overheats and the jacket is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a torso portion that covers only the throwing shoulder and upper chest, and a separate sleeveless arm covering that extends from the shoulder to the wrist. This segmentation allows targeted warmth for the throwing arm while leaving the rest of the body exposed, preventing overheating. The modular design also protects the arm warmer from damage by allowing it to be removed and stored separately when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different thermal properties to different body regions: the torso portion and arm covering use insulating materials (quilted fabric, fleece) to retain heat locally at the throwing shoulder and arm, while the rest of the body remains uncovered. This localized thermal management ensures the throwing arm stays warm without causing the athlete to overheat elsewhere.
2Temperature
If a full winter jacket is draped over one arm, then the throwing arm stays warm, but the jacket becomes clumsy and inefficient for warm-up activities
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the arm warming function from the torso, creating a sleeveless design that allows full arm mobility. This segmentation enables athletes to perform warm-up activities and throwing motions without the bulk and restriction of a full jacket, significantly improving warm-up efficiency while maintaining thermal protection for the throwing arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm portion of the device is designed with flexible, stretchable materials that dynamically adapt to arm movement during warm-up and throwing activities. The sleeveless torso portion allows unrestricted motion, enabling athletes to move freely while the insulated arm section provides continuous thermal protection throughout the range of motion.
3Temperature
If a full winter jacket is used to keep the throwing arm warm, then warmth is provided, but the jacket is prone to damage from cleats, dirt, and ground level conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the arm warmer into a removable sleeveless design, the device can be easily taken off and stored in a protected location (locker, equipment bag) when not in use, preventing exposure to damaging dugout conditions. The torso portion and arm covering can be independently managed to avoid ground contact and physical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm warmer is designed as a dedicated, single-purpose garment that can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than a full jacket that serves multiple functions. The focused design on arm protection alone allows for simpler, more durable construction in the critical arm-warming zones without the vulnerability of a full-length jacket.
4Temperature
If a full winter jacket is used to keep the throwing arm warm, then warmth is provided, but the jacket causes sweating and adversely affects gripping the baseball
Solution Approach 1:
The device limits thermal insulation exclusively to the throwing arm and shoulder area through its sleeveless torso portion design, preventing excess heat buildup on the torso that would cause sweating. By segmenting the warmth application, the athlete maintains dry hands and body while the throwing arm receives necessary thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating materials are applied locally only where needed (throwing shoulder and arm) rather than covering the entire body. This localized approach provides necessary warmth to the throwing arm without generating excess body heat that would lead to sweating and compromised grip.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for warming a first arm and shoulder of a wearer includes a single arm portion and a torso portion. The single arm portion is comprised of a substantially flexible material and is configured to substantially cover the first arm of the wearer from the shoulder to a position beyond an elbow of the first arm. The torso portion is connected to the single arm portion and is configured to at least partially cover an opposite shoulder of the wearer without extending to an underarm under the opposite shoulder of the wearer. The torso portion includes a relatively rigid frame member. The torso portion defines a neck opening that is configured to receive a head and a neck of the wearer.