Waterproof Limb Protector With Extensible Silicone Constriction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof protectors for external injuries face challenges such as discomfort, inadequate sealing, and risk of water invasion due to abrasion or tearing of the opening rim when inserting or removing limbs, especially when the limb is larger than the opening diameter.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof protector with a flexible pouch body and an extensible/contractible annular constriction component made of silicone rubber, featuring a tube portion and a radially projecting brim portion with an arcuate sloping surface, which increases the strength of the opening and prevents splitting or tearing, allowing for easy and watertight coverage of limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening diameter is made smaller to improve waterproofing effectiveness, then water sealing is improved, but inserting the limb becomes challenging and requires assistance from another person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the opening extensible/contractible. The opening can dynamically change its diameter - contracting to a smaller size for waterproofing when the limb is inserted, and expanding to a larger size to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the limb without requiring assistance from another person.
2Reliability
If a rigid circular frame is used to seal the opening, then waterproofing is improved, but it causes discomfort and strange sensations when in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid circular frame with a flexible sealing structure. The opening is formed by an extensible/contractible membrane or film that can seal waterproofly while conforming to the limb's shape, eliminating the discomfort and strange sensations caused by rigid frames during use.
3Ease of operation
If the opening rim is made thin and flexible for ease of insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the rim is prone to abrasion, splitting, and tearing which compromises waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining different material properties in the opening structure. The opening uses an extensible/contractible material that provides both flexibility for ease of insertion and sufficient strength to resist abrasion, splitting, and tearing, thereby maintaining waterproofing effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the opening with inherent strength and durability characteristics before use. The extensible/contractible opening is constructed with materials and structures that preemptively resist mechanical degradation from repeated insertion and removal operations, preventing abrasion, splitting, and tearing before they occur.
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 complete shielding against water, ensuring long-term use and ease of application and removal without risking the integrity of the protector, addressing the discomfort and sealing issues of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
an extensible/contractible annular constriction component (20) hermetically and adhesively attached to either the one end or to both ends of the pouch body (10). The annular constriction component (20) is furnished with a tube portion (21) formed so as to enable covering a portion of the four human limbs
Implementation Method 2
a brim portion (22) formed projecting radially outward from a mouth edge of the tube portion (21)... by making the brim portion arcuately slope gently in a flaring form so that the mouth of the annular constriction component is furnished with an arcuate sloping surface, the strength of the opening is increased
Implementation Method 3
an extensible/contractible annular constriction component (20) hermetically and adhesively attached to either the one end or to both ends of the pouch body (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to make available a waterproof protector for external injuries, of long lifespan as a product, that by improving the structure of the opening through which an arm or leg is inserted enables completely shielding out water to protect an injured area. An external-injury waterproof protector 1 involving the present invention is an external-injury waterproof protector furnished with a flexible pouch body 10 composed of a waterproofing material and having a mouth at either one end or both ends, and an extensible/contractible annular constriction component 20 hermetically and adhesively attached to either the one end or to both ends of the pouch body 10, characterized in that the annular constriction component 20 is furnished with a tube portion 21 formed so as to enable covering a portion of the four human limbs in a watertight state, and a brim portion 22 formed projecting radially outward from a mouth edge of the tube portion 21. The tube portion 21 favorably is formed at a narrower diameter than that of the other end of the pouch body 10. Further, the brim portion 22 arcuately slopes gently in a flaring form, whereby the mouth 24 of the annular constriction component 20 is furnished with an arcuate sloping surface 212.