Swimming Arm Brace for Stroke Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many swimmers, both experienced and beginners, struggle with maintaining the high-elbow/fingertip-to-the-bottom arm position during swimming strokes, leading to incorrect range of motion and reduced propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, rigid plastic arm brace positioned along the forearm that provides negative reinforcement by pressing into the bicep when the elbow drops, forcing the swimmer to correct the arm position through adjustable elastic straps and a design that glides past the bicep when the position is correct, allowing for extended training in proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elbow is allowed to lead the way in the pull, then the natural swimming motion is maintained, but the arm position becomes incorrect and propulsion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace applies preliminary counter-action by pressing against the bicep muscle before the elbow can drop into an incorrect position. The pressure point on the brace prevents medial rotation of the glenohumeral joint, forcing the elbow to remain at the correct high position during the pull phase of the swimming stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace provides real-time tactile feedback to the swimmer through pressure applied to the bicep. When the elbow drops or the arm position becomes incorrect, the swimmer feels increased pressure, which serves as immediate feedback to correct the position and maintain proper alignment throughout the stroke.
2Productivity
If a brace is applied to correct arm position, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the device adds complexity to the swimming equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressure application mechanism (the brace body), a positioning mechanism (straps or paddles), and a target area (bicep muscle). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while keeping the overall device simple and focused on a single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is designed to be self-regulating through its pressure mechanism. As the swimmer moves their arm, the brace automatically applies pressure when the elbow drops and glides past when the position is correct, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If the brace presses into the bicep to prevent incorrect motion, then the correct arm position is maintained, but discomfort is applied to the swimmer
Solution Approach 1:
The discomfort from the brace pressure is converted into a beneficial training effect. The unpleasant sensation motivates the swimmer to correct their arm position and maintain proper form, transforming temporary discomfort into long-term muscle memory and improved swimming technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace applies pressure only partially - enough to be felt and to prevent incorrect motion, but not so much as to cause pain or injury. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the training objective while minimizing harmful effects.
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 arm brace effectively corrects the common swimming error by preventing medial rotation of the glenohumeral joint, allowing swimmers to maintain the correct arm position over time, enhancing swimming efficiency and speed by retraining muscles to maintain proper alignment.
Implementation Method 1
held in place with two elastic straps, one at the elbow and one on the hand
Data Source
AI summary
A training aid to correct arm position during the pulling phase of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, or crawl also referred to as freestyle, when swimming. The disclosed tool provides physical pressure to correct a common swimming error. Said tool prevents medial rotation of the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder rotator cuff during the catch and pull portion of swimming.