Flexible Foam Extremity Guard for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garments for protecting extremities, such as shin guards and knee protectors, are uncomfortable, unattractive, and ineffective in absorbing impact, making them unsuitable for aging adults at risk of falls and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A protective garment featuring a flexible, impact-absorbing body made of materials like closed cell polymer or open cell foam, encased in a soft, adjustable band for comfortable fit and secure positioning around the extremity, with features like slits for flexibility and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pre-molded hard plastic is used for protective garments, then impact protection is provided, but comfort and impact absorption are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid hard plastic shells with flexible foam materials that can deform and conform to body contours. The protective garment uses flexible foam that maintains protection while adapting to movement and body shape, resolving the contradiction between rigid protection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from hard plastic to soft foam with specific density and elasticity characteristics. This parameter change allows the material to absorb impact through deformation rather than rigid resistance, improving both comfort and impact absorption capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pre-molded hard plastic is used for protective garments, then structural integrity is maintained, but impact absorption effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The foam material undergoes controlled compression and deformation during impact, absorbing energy through material phase changes and cellular structure collapse. This allows effective impact energy absorption while maintaining structural integrity through the foam's inherent cellular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses foam materials that combine the benefits of flexibility and structural integrity. The composite foam structure provides both cushioning through deformation and maintained protection through its engineered cellular composition, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and energy absorption.
3Reliability
If protective garments are designed for maximum protection, then safety is improved, but appearance becomes unconventional and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible foam material allows the protective garment to be formed into sleek, form-fitting shapes that conform to body contours rather than bulky rigid structures. This enables the garment to provide protection while maintaining an attractive, conventional appearance suitable for older adults.
4Strength
If protective garments are made rigid for protection, then impact resistance is improved, but fit and compliance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible foam material inherently adapts to different body shapes and sizes, providing custom fit without requiring complex adjustments. The material's elasticity and conformability allow it to accommodate various extremity dimensions while maintaining protection, resolving the contradiction between rigid protection and adaptable fit.
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
Provides effective impact protection while being comfortable and aesthetically acceptable for older adults, enhancing their safety and mobility by reducing the risk of injuries from falls.
Implementation Method 1
The protective body is made of a flexible, dense, impact absorbent material, such as a closed cell polymer and/or open cell foam
Data Source
AI summary
A protective garment for protecting a part of an extremity such as a shin or knee from injury due to impact, comprising a protective body of impact-absorbing material encased in a band of fabric for holding the protective body substantially adjacent to the part of the extremity thereby protecting it from injury.