Adjustable Kneepad Brace with Detent Beam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kneepads often require frequent readjustment due to loose elastic bands or straps, causing the cushioned pad to slip down the shin during prolonged kneeling activities, leading to discomfort and reduced protection.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable two-piece vertical brace with clamping jaws that attach to the kneepad and shoe, featuring flexible overlapping beam members with a protuberance and detent system for length adjustment, ensuring the kneepad remains in place without excessive tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic bands or straps are used to attach the kneepad, then the kneepad can be secured to the leg, but the straps become loose over time causing the pad to slip down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekneepad position stabilityVSAvoidtime for readjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic elastic straps from the attachment system and replaces them with a rigid brace structure that connects the kneepad to the shoe, eliminating the loosening issue while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The brace incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with detents that allows dynamic adaptation to different leg lengths and kneeling positions, ensuring continuous reliability without readjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length braces are used to support the kneepad, then the structure is simple, but the brace cannot accommodate varying user heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying heightsVSAvoidbrace structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brace transforms from a fixed-length structure to an adjustable-length structure with movable segments and detent mechanisms, enabling adaptation to different user heights while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brace is divided into multiple segments that can slide relative to each other, with detents providing discrete length positions, allowing height adaptation without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If tight straps are used to prevent kneepad slippage, then the pad remains in place, but excessive tension is applied to the leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekneepad position stabilityVSAvoidtension on leg

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the elastic straps that create excessive tension and replaces them with a rigid brace that provides structural support without applying continuous force to the leg

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable brace allows optimization of the attachment geometry to achieve stability through proper positioning rather than through excessive tightening forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8752214B1Positioning brace for a kneepad

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 MALDONADO MIGUEL

AI summary

An adjustable kneepad support that is a brace formed by a pair of elongated, flexible, overlapping thin beam members that are movable relative to each other for lengthwise adjustment. Flexing of the beam members allows operation of a flex-latch that can release a fixed position of the beam members to allow sliding of the members to a newly adjusted lengthwise position.