Cut-Resistant Hockey Undershirt Using Localized Aramid Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice hockey players face injuries from skate blade lacerations, particularly to the wrists, arms, underarms, and torso, which are not adequately protected by current equipment, and existing protective gear is often heavy, expensive, and restricts movement.
Innovation Solution
A protective undergarment with a torso portion and sleeves made from a combination of jersey fabric and high-performance, flexible aramid fiber fabric, resistant to cutting, providing protection without compromising comfort or range of motion, and designed to be lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If high performance flexible fabric resistant to cutting is used for the entire undergarment, then protection against skate blade lacerations is improved, but comfort is reduced due to chaffing and itching
Solution Approach 1:
The undergarment applies high performance flexible fabric resistant to cutting only in specific high-risk areas (sleeves, underarms, and selected torso regions), while using conventional jersey fabric in other areas. This localized application provides cut protection where needed while maintaining comfort in areas where protection is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment is divided into distinct zones with different fabric properties: protected zones (sleeves, underarms, torso panels) made with high performance flexible fabric and non-protected zones made with conventional jersey fabric. This segmentation allows each area to have the appropriate level of protection and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If protective equipment is made lighter and more flexible, then range of motion is improved, but protection level is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The undergarment uses flexible fabric that is resistant to cutting, allowing the material to stretch and move with the player's body while maintaining protection. This flexible construction enables full range of motion in skating, shooting, and checking without compromising the cut-resistant properties of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment combines high performance flexible fabric with conventional jersey fabric to create a composite structure that provides both protection and comfort. The high performance fabric offers cut resistance while maintaining flexibility, and the combination with jersey fabric enhances comfort and breathability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If newer protective equipment is used, then protection is improved, but cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The undergarment applies expensive high performance flexible fabric only in high-risk areas rather than throughout the entire garment, reducing material costs while maintaining essential protection. Conventional jersey fabric is used in areas where full protection is less critical, lowering overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The undergarment is segmented into protected and non-protected areas, allowing selective use of high performance fabric only where laceration risk is highest. This segmentation optimizes the balance between protection and cost by avoiding unnecessary use of expensive materials in low-risk areas.
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 undergarment effectively protects against skate blade lacerations, reduces discomfort, maintains player mobility, and is cost-effective, accommodating various sizes and easy to produce, while integrating protection into existing apparel without adding bulk.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, high performance fabric, resistant to cutting by skate blades
Data Source
AI summary
A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and collar, including sleeves and cuff assembly. The shirt has special protective cover stitched, surged or fused on the lower sleeves, underarm parts and armpits to prevent against gashes, cuts and other injuries caused by skate blades.