Flexible Protective Element With Segmented Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports protective gear, such as shin guards, restricts movement and comfort due to rigid plates and complex mounting systems, leading to athletes opting out of protection for improved mobility.
Innovation Solution
A protective element comprising flexible support layers with strategically arranged hard projections and receiving elements that distribute impact forces and adapt to body contours, reducing thickness and weight while maintaining protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plates are used for protection, then protection strength is improved, but freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is divided into multiple hard projections (at least two) arranged on a flexible support layer, rather than using a single rigid plate. This segmentation allows the protective structure to maintain strength while adapting to body movements, as each projection can move independently relative to the flexible base layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible support layer as the base structure for mounting the hard projections. This flexible film approach replaces traditional rigid plates, enabling the protective element to conform to body contours and accommodate movement while still providing impact protection through the hard projections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex mounting structures are used to secure protective devices, then stability is improved, but device complexity and hindrance to movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mounting structures entirely from the protective element design. Instead of using straps, fasteners, or adjustment mechanisms to secure the device, the invention relies on the flexible support layer to naturally conform to and hold the hard projections in place, eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support layer automatically adapts to the body contour and maintains the protective element in the correct position through its inherent flexibility and conformability, without requiring external mounting systems. The structure serves its own positioning function through the interaction between the flexible base and rigid projections.
3Strength
If thick protective layers are used to distribute impact force, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a uniformly thick protective layer, the patent applies hard projections only at specific locations where impact protection is needed. The flexible support layer provides minimal protection elsewhere, creating a non-uniform distribution of protective properties that reduces overall weight while maintaining effectiveness at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element combines different materials with complementary properties: a flexible support layer (textile or foam) providing flexibility and base protection, and hard projections (plastic or metal) providing impact resistance. This composite structure achieves effective impact distribution without requiring a uniformly thick and heavy protective layer.
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
Enhances wearing comfort and performance by providing individualized fit and effective impact distribution without hindering movement, applicable to various sports equipment and body areas.
Implementation Method 1
distribute and dampen (for example frictionally or by compression) impact loading and associated forces arising thereon
Implementation Method 2
distribute and dampen (for example frictionally or by compression) impact loading and associated forces arising thereon
Implementation Method 3
the shape of the protective element can yield to movements of the body part to be protected
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates a protective element for an athlete. The protective element can include a first flexible support layer, wherein a plurality of substantially hard projections is arranged on the first support layer, and a second flexible support layer, wherein a plurality of substantially hard receiving elements is arranged on the second support layer. The receiving elements and the projections are configured to provide flexible protection to various areas of a user's body.