Curvilinear Arch Shoulder Pad Dynamic Connector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective shoulder pads restrict relative movement of the left and right arch members upon impact, leading to inadequate impact response and comfort during contact sports.
Innovation Solution
The protective shoulder pad assembly features a pair of curvilinear arch members with upper and lower connector mechanisms, including flexible straps and sliding couplers, allowing for relative movement, including fore and aft, upward and downward shearing, and lateral movements, to enhance impact response and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible straps with rivets are used to couple arch members, then the shoulder pad maintains structural integrity, but the relative movement between arch members is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid rivet connections with dynamic connector mechanisms that allow relative movement between arch members. The connector mechanisms include flexible straps with couplers that can pivot and slide, enabling the arch members to move relative to each other in response to impacts while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible coupling system.
2Ease of operation
If rigid connections are used between arch members, then structural stability is maintained, but comfort and impact attenuation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connection characteristics between arch members from rigid to flexible. The connector mechanisms change the physical parameters of the connection system, allowing controlled movement and deformation during impacts while maintaining overall structural stability through the distributed flexible coupling system.
3Loss of energy
If flexible straps with limited movement are used, then the shoulder pad fits securely, but impact energy attenuation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing connector mechanisms that enable dynamic relative movement between arch members during impacts. The flexible straps with pivoting and sliding couplers allow the arch members to move relative to each other, absorbing and attenuating impact energy while maintaining secure fit through the flexible coupling system.
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 innovative connector mechanisms enable improved impact response and range of motion, maintaining correct protective placement and enhancing the fit, feel, and performance of the shoulder pad assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible upper strap... a flexible lower strap and a pair of lower couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible lower strap
Data Source
AI summary
A football shoulder pad assembly worn by a player is disclosed. The shoulder pad assembly includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members worn over the shoulder of the player with the front arch portion extending over an extent of a chest and the rear arch portion extending over an extent of a back of the player. Each front arch portion including an upper connection slot with an elongated configuration and a lower connection aperture. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a front upper arch connector mechanism including a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers slidingly received in said upper connection slots and a front lower arch connector mechanism including a flexible lower strap and a pair of lower couplers that pivots in said lower connection apertures. The rear arch portions including upper connection slots and lower connection apertures and coupled in a substantially similar manner.