Athletic Glove with Variable Thickness Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes participating in sports that involve catching objects face challenges due to variations in natural hand characteristics, such as coefficient of friction and energy absorption, which can be enhanced with supplemental gear to improve catching success.
Innovation Solution
A glove with a substrate having a gripping layer on the exterior and an energy-absorbing layer on the interior, featuring varying thicknesses of materials to enhance friction and absorption at specific joints, while maintaining tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy absorption material is added to the glove, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the glove may become too thick and reduce tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thicknesses of energy absorption material to different regions of the glove. Thicker material is placed in areas requiring enhanced energy absorption (such as knuckles and palm), while thinner material is used in areas where tactile sensitivity is critical (such as finger tips). This local variation allows the glove to simultaneously provide protection and maintain dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption material is divided into multiple layers or zones with varying thicknesses rather than applying a uniform thickness across the entire glove. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements, balancing energy absorption with tactile feedback where needed.
2Loss of energy
If material thickness is increased for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the glove becomes less flexible and harder to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements varying thicknesses of energy absorption material across different regions of the glove. Thicker material is strategically placed in areas requiring enhanced energy absorption such as knuckles and palm, while thinner material is used in areas where flexibility and dexterity are critical, such as finger tips and knuckles. This local variation allows the glove to maintain flexibility where needed while providing adequate protection where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption material is segmented into multiple zones with different thicknesses rather than applying a uniform thickness. This segmentation enables each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements, allowing the glove to bend and flex properly in thin areas while providing cushioning in thick areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform thickness material is used throughout the glove, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy absorption is not optimized for specific body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thicknesses of energy absorption material to different regions of the glove. Thicker material is placed in areas requiring enhanced energy absorption (such as knuckles and palm), while thinner material is used in areas where tactile sensitivity is critical (such as finger tips). This local variation allows the glove to simultaneously provide protection and maintain dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption material is divided into multiple layers or zones with varying thicknesses rather than applying a uniform thickness across the entire glove. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements, balancing energy absorption with tactile feedback where needed.
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 glove effectively absorbs energy from impacting objects while allowing athletes to maintain control and feel, improving their ability to catch and secure sporting items.
Implementation Method 1
the glove incorporates a second layer of material affixed to the interior surface of the substrate. Additionally, one of the first layer or the second layer of material has both a first thickness in a first location and a second thickness in a second location along a surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
Energy absorbing athletic glove... effectively absorbs energy from impacting objects
Implementation Method 3
The athlete may look to increase the success of catching the object by enhancing and supplementing natural characteristics of the very hand(s) catching the object... a first layer of material affixed to the exterior surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorbing receiving glove constructed with a substrate having an exterior surface and a complementary interior surface. The substrate is used in constructing a palmar portion of the glove. The glove may incorporates a gripping layer of material affixed to the exterior surface of the substrate. Further, the glove may incorporate an energy absorbing layer of material affixed to the interior surface of the substrate. Additionally, the energy absorbing layer of material may have both a first thickness in a first location and a second thickness in a second location of the substrate. In an embodiment, the energy absorbing material is a silicone gel and the gripping material is a silicone material. Additionally, the varied thicknesses of the energy absorbing material may be effective for covering a palmar side of joints located on a hand wearing the glove.