Disposable Adhesive Knee-Pad Resolving Strap Discomfort

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knee-pads for workers who kneel frequently are either uncomfortable, require frequent adjustments, modify ordinary pants, or lack protection from moisture and abrasive surfaces, and are not disposable or easily reusable.

Innovation Solution

A disposable, detachable knee-pad with a durable, flexible impermeable outer casing and a flexible resilient padding layer, secured to the pants using a self-adhering temporary adhesive that does not damage the fabric and leaves no residue, eliminating the need for straps or modifications to the pants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If strap-secured knee-pads are used to hold the pad in a fixed position, then the pad stability is improved, but the leg comfort deteriorates due to tight straps causing discomfort and restricting blood circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad position stabilityVSAvoidleg comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical strap system with a chemical adhesive system. The adhesive layer is applied to the back surface of the knee-pad to secure it to the pants, eliminating the need for straps that cause discomfort. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing stable attachment without the mechanical constraint of tight straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the knee-pad and the pants fabric. It provides a bonding interface that secures the pad in position without requiring direct mechanical attachment to the leg through straps, thereby maintaining both stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If Velcro strips are attached to the worker's pants to secure the knee-pad, then the pad attachment reliability is improved, but the pants complexity increases requiring modification of ordinary pants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad attachment reliabilityVSAvoidpants structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the pants themselves and places it entirely on the knee-pad. The adhesive layer is applied to the back surface of the knee-pad, eliminating the need for Velcro strips or other attachment mechanisms on the pants. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable attachment without modifying the pants structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The knee-pad with adhesive backing is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Instead of permanently modifying expensive pants with Velcro strips, the adhesive knee-pad can be applied and removed as needed, providing reliable attachment without increasing pants complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of substance

If reusable knee-pads are used to reduce waste, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases requiring cleaning and maintenance facilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes knee-pads designed for disposable or single-use applications. The adhesive backing allows the pad to be applied and then discarded after use or when the adhesive loses effectiveness, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and maintenance systems while managing material waste through controlled disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Provides effective cushioning and protection from moisture and abrasion without discomfort or the need for adjustments, allowing use with ordinary pants and ensuring easy disposal after a single use.

Implementation Method 1

a removable adhesive layer (14) applied to the back surface of the knee-pad for attachment to the pants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a durable, flexible impermeable outer casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid resistance:

Implementation Method 3

a flexible resilient padding layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilience: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7296301B1Disposable detachable adhesive knee-pad

Publication Date: 2007.11.20 CONN JAMES

AI summary

A disposable, adhesively attachable knee-pad comprises a durable, impermeable outer casing, within which is contained a resilient padding layer, which is in turn bonded to a temporary adhesive layer. The knee-pad is attached to a pants leg by means of the temporary adhesive layer and is readily detachable without causing damage to or leaving residue on the pants fabric.