3D printing football leg guard plate

By using 3D printing technology to manufacture the hard and soft layers of a mesh-like porous structure, the problem of discomfort when wearing existing shin guards in hot environments has been solved. This has resulted in improved lightweight, breathability, and comfort of the shin guards, enhancing the athlete's athletic experience.

CN224194057UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05XI AN PEAK XUANKAI NEW MATERIAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
XI AN PEAK XUANKAI NEW MATERIAL CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-03-27
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing shin guards are uncomfortable to wear in hot environments, have poor breathability, and affect athletes' comfort and athletic experience.

Method used

The hard and soft layers are manufactured using 3D printing technology. Both the hard and soft layers have a mesh-like porous structure, combined with nylon 6 or TPEE and EVA or TPU materials to increase breathability and comfort. The pore size and distribution can be adjusted according to needs.

Benefits of technology

It achieves lightweight, breathable and comfortable shin guards, reduces stuffiness, and improves athletes' wearing comfort and movement flexibility.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printing football leg guard plate, and belongs to the field of sports protection equipment. A 3D printing football leg guard plate comprises a hard layer and a soft layer, the hard layer and the soft layer are made through 3D printing, the bottom face of the hard layer is connected with the top face of the soft layer, the cross section of the hard layer and the cross section of the soft layer are each of an arc-shaped structure, and the hard layer and the soft layer are each of a net-shaped porous structure. The upper part and the lower part of the hard layer are in arc protruding shapes, and the left side and the right side of the hard layer are of arc structures bent inwards. The hard layer and the soft layer are both of a net-shaped porous structure, accurate distribution of materials is achieved through the 3D printing technology, the overall weight of the leg guard plate is effectively reduced, and wearing comfort and movement flexibility are improved. Due to the net-shaped porous structure, the weight is reduced, the air permeability of the leg guard plate is improved, perspiration and heat dissipation are facilitated, the stuffiness feeling caused by long-time wearing is reduced, and the exercise experience is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sports protective equipment, and more specifically, to a 3D-printed soccer shin guard. Background Technology

[0002] Football is a high-intensity, fast-paced, and physically demanding sport. The studs on the soles of football boots make players highly susceptible to shin injuries from kicks and tackles, ranging from minor cuts and bleeding to more serious fractures and muscle tears. This is where shin guards come in.

[0003] A shin guard is a sports protective device worn inside a sock to protect a player's shinbone. A typical shin guard consists of two parts: an outer protective shell made of high-hardness PP or PE (high-end models may use carbon fiber), and an inner layer of EVA foam. The outer shell primarily provides strength and absorbs impact, preventing chafing from cleats; the inner EVA foam provides shock absorption and conforms to the skin, preventing chafing from the outer shell.

[0004] Existing shin guards consist of a machined outer shell and EVA foam, which are then combined. They are uncomfortable to wear in hot summers and have poor breathability. Therefore, we propose a 3D-printed soccer shin guard. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D-printed soccer shin guard to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A 3D-printed soccer shin guard includes a hard layer and a soft layer, both of which are 3D printed. The bottom surface of the hard layer and the top surface of the soft layer are connected. The cross-sections of both the hard layer and the soft layer are arc-shaped structures, and both the hard layer and the soft layer have a mesh-like porous structure.

[0008] Preferably, the upper and lower parts of the hard layer are both arc-shaped protrusions, and the left and right sides of the hard layer are arc structures that curve inward.

[0009] Preferably, the hard layer material is nylon 6 or TPEE.

[0010] Preferably, the hardness of the hard layer is 40-90D.

[0011] Preferably, the raw material for the soft layer is EVA or TPU.

[0012] Preferably, the hardness of the soft layer is 60-95A.

[0013] Preferably, the hard layer edge is set as a rounded edge.

[0014] Preferably, an intermediate layer is provided between the hard layer and the soft layer, the intermediate layer being a gel or foam.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This invention utilizes a mesh-like porous structure for both the hard and soft layers, employing 3D printing technology to achieve precise material distribution. This effectively reduces the overall weight of the shin guard, improving wearing comfort and movement flexibility. The mesh-like porous structure not only reduces weight but also increases the breathability of the shin guard, aiding in sweat wicking and heat dissipation, reducing stuffiness during prolonged wear, and enhancing the overall sports experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D-printed leg guard of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of the 3D-printed leg guard of this utility model.

[0019] The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Hard layer; 2. Soft layer. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0021] Example:

[0022] Please see Figure 1-2 A 3D-printed soccer shin guard includes a hard layer 1 and a soft layer 2, both 3D printed. The hard layer 1 has rounded edges, and its bottom surface is connected to the top surface of the soft layer 2 via adhesive. Both layers have arc-shaped cross-sections and a porous mesh structure. The porous mesh structure of both layers, achieved through precise material distribution using 3D printing technology, effectively reduces the overall weight of the shin guard, improving wearing comfort and movement flexibility. The porous mesh structure not only reduces weight but also increases breathability, aiding in sweat wicking and heat dissipation, reducing stuffiness during prolonged wear, and enhancing the athletic experience. The pore size and distribution can be adjusted according to the athlete's needs to achieve optimal breathability.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, an intermediate layer is added between the hard and soft layers, using an energy-absorbing material (such as gel or foam) to further enhance the energy absorption effect of the shin guard and reduce impact damage to the legs. Adjustable straps or buckles are incorporated into the shin guard design, allowing athletes to adjust the tightness according to their needs for comfortable wear. Strap mounting slots are created on the side of the hard layer 1 during 3D printing to facilitate strap installation. Reinforcing ribs can also be added to the outer surface of the hard layer 1 to enhance the shin guard's impact resistance and structural stability, preventing deformation during exercise.

[0024] In this application, the upper and lower parts of the hard layer 1 are both arc-shaped protrusions, and the left and right sides of the hard layer 1 are arc structures that curve inward, making the leg guards fit the leg curves better and improving wearing comfort. The soft layer 2 is in direct contact with the skin and is made of soft material to reduce friction and discomfort.

[0025] In this application, the raw material for the hard layer 1 is nylon 6 or TPEE, which has high rigidity, wear resistance, and impact resistance, making it suitable for high-intensity sports. The hardness of the hard layer 1 is 40-90D.

[0026] In this application, the raw material for the soft layer 2 is EVA or TPU, which has good elasticity, tear resistance, and softness, providing a comfortable cushioning effect. The hardness of the soft layer 2 is 60-95A.

[0027] The arc-shaped cross-section design of the hard layer 1 and soft layer 2 in this invention enhances the structural stability of the leg guard, making it less prone to deformation during exercise while maintaining comprehensive protection for the legs. 3D printing technology reduces material waste, and the materials used (such as Nylon 6, TPEE, EVA, and TPU) are mostly recyclable or biodegradable, aligning with environmental protection principles.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] A 3D-printed leg guard includes a hard layer 1 and a soft layer 2, wherein both the hard layer 1 and the soft layer 2 are 3D printed, and the bottom of the hard layer 1 and the top of the soft layer 2 are bonded together with adhesive. The hard layer 1 is made of nylon 6 with a hardness of 40D; the soft layer 2 is made of TPU with a hardness of 60A.

[0030] Example 2:

[0031] A 3D-printed leg guard includes a hard layer 1 and a soft layer 2, wherein both the hard layer 1 and the soft layer 2 are 3D printed, and the bottom of the hard layer 1 and the top of the soft layer 2 are bonded together with adhesive. The hard layer 1 is made of TPEE with a hardness of 90D; the soft layer 2 is made of EVA with a hardness of 95A.

[0032] Example 3:

[0033] A 3D-printed leg guard includes a hard layer 1 and a soft layer 2, wherein both the hard layer 1 and the soft layer 2 are 3D printed, and the bottom of the hard layer 1 and the top of the soft layer 2 are bonded together with adhesive. The hard layer 1 is made of TPEE with a hardness of 70D; the soft layer 2 is made of TPU with a hardness of 70A.

[0034] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed soccer shin guard, comprising a hard layer (1) and a soft layer (2), characterized in that: Both the hard layer (1) and the soft layer (2) are made by 3D printing. The bottom surface of the hard layer (1) and the top surface of the soft layer (2) are connected. The cross-sections of the hard layer (1) and the soft layer (2) are both arc-shaped structures. Both the hard layer (1) and the soft layer (2) are both mesh porous structures. An intermediate layer is provided between the hard layer (1) and the soft layer (2), and the intermediate layer is made of gel or foam; The upper and lower parts of the hard layer (1) are both arc-shaped protrusions, and the left and right sides of the hard layer (1) are arc structures that bend inward. The raw material of the hard layer (1) is nylon 6 or TPEE, and the hardness of the hard layer (1) is 40-90D; The raw material of the soft layer (2) is EVA or TPU, and the hardness of the soft layer (2) is 60-95A.

2. The 3D-printed soccer shin guard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hard layer (1) has rounded edges.