Flexible Cushion and Curved Base Knee Pad for Weight Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee pads fail to effectively distribute pressure away from the knee while a worker kneels, leading to discomfort and potential injury over time, especially when shifting weight.
Innovation Solution
A knee pad assembly comprising a flexible upper cushion and a rigid lower base that rocks back and forth, combined with a strap system, to absorb and distribute pressure, and optionally includes spring sheets and a supplemental shin support to enhance comfort and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional knee pads are used, then the knee is protected from direct impact, but pressure is still concentrated on the knee causing discomfort and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into multiple functional zones: a rigid lower base for stability, a flexible upper cushion for pressure distribution, and a compression zone with openings for active pressure absorption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, distributing pressure away from the knee while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the knee pad have different mechanical properties: the lower base is rigid to provide stability and distribute load, while the upper cushion is flexible to conform to the knee and distribute pressure. The compression zone has reduced material density to enhance pressure absorption. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes pressure distribution while maintaining protective function.
2Ease of operation
If conventional knee pads remain stationary, then they provide simple protection, but they cannot deflect pressure as the workman shifts weight causing concentrated pressure on the knee
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible upper cushion that can deform and rebound, a compression zone that actively compresses and expands with weight shifts, and a curved bottom surface that enables rocking motion. These dynamic features allow the knee pad to adapt to changing positions and deflect pressure away from the knee during weight shifts while maintaining stability during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower base features a curved bottom surface that contacts the work surface, enabling the knee pad to rock back and forth smoothly. This curvature allows the knee pad to maintain contact with the surface during weight shifts while distributing pressure along the curved surface, preventing concentration of force on the knee.
3Ease of operation
If the upper knee cushion is soft and compressible, then it conforms to the knee for comfort, but it may not provide sufficient structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is segmented into a rigid lower base providing structural support and a flexible upper cushion providing comfort and pressure distribution. This segmentation allows the soft upper portion to conform to the knee while the rigid lower portion maintains structural integrity and provides support, resolving the contradiction between comfort and strength.
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 assembly reduces pressure concentration on the knee, minimizing discomfort and injury by distributing it across the knee and shin, allowing workers to kneel comfortably for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
A set of openings are formed in the bottom of the flexible upper knee cushion to create a compression zone at which the upper knee cushion collapses so as to absorb and refocus pressure away from the workman's knee in response to the force generated by his knee pushing down against the upper knee cushion
Implementation Method 2
The rigid lower base establishes an outer protective shell having a continuously curved bottom surface along its longitudinal axis at which the knee pad rocks back and forth over the work surface by which the force is distributed along his knee and shin
Data Source
AI summary
A knee pad assembly is disclosed to protect the knee of a workman who kneels down while working on a work surface. The knee pad assembly includes a flexible upper knee cushion at which to receive and cover the workman's knee and a rigid lower base that lies on the work surface below the upper knee cushion. The lower base has a continuously curved bottom to rock back and forth on the work surface when the workman shifts his weight while kneeling. The upper knee cushion and the lower base are held one above the other against the knee of the workman by a knee pad strap that is wrapped around the workman's leg. A pair of springs (e.g., flexible carbon fiber sheets having a spring memory) extend across the lower base below the upper knee cushion so as to suspend the workman's knee above the work surface and flex in response to the workman's knee pushing down on the knee cushion.