3D Image Element Shin Guard for Uniform Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soccer shin guards and elbow/knee pads lack innovative designs to enhance team uniform visibility and player identification during games, relying on conventional materials and methods that do not effectively project desired image outlines.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a three-dimensional image element on the protective plates and pads that can project desired shapes like player numbers or logos, using contoured designs, adjustable fasteners, and materials like high-strength plastics and closed-cell foams to create a visible image outline through clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional materials and methods are used for shin guards and pads, then protective functionality is maintained, but visibility and player identification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional surface graphics to three-dimensional raised image elements that physically protrude from the pad surface. This dimensional change allows the images to be more visible through clothing while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the pad: the background remains as conventional protective material while specific image areas incorporate raised three-dimensional elements. This localized application enhances visibility without requiring the entire pad structure to be complex.
2Loss of information
If three-dimensional image elements are integrated into protective plates, then player identification is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the image elements from the main protective plate structure, allowing them to be manufactured independently and then attached to the plate. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for the three-dimensional images while keeping the protective plate production straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines conventional protective materials with three-dimensional image elements made from different materials (such as foam, rubber, or plastic). This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured through established processes.
3Illumination intensity
If contoured three-dimensional image elements are used, then image projection through clothing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved and contoured surfaces for the three-dimensional image elements, which naturally facilitate the projection of images through flexible clothing materials. The curvature helps maintain consistent image visibility from various angles while the contoured design follows the natural shape of the body parts being protected.
Data Source
AI summary
A shin guard includes a protective plate having a front face and a rear face. The rear face is contoured to fit around a shin of a wearer of the shin guard. Further, the shin guard includes a three dimensional image element carried on the front face. This image element projects an image outline through a sock worn over the shin guard. A sports pad is provided including an outer shell defining a pocket and a pad received and held in the pocket. A three dimensional image element is captured between said outer shell and the front face of the pad. That image element projects an image outline through the outer shell to enhance the uniform of the player wearing the sports pad.