Goalie Glove Finger Repositioning Pull Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Goalie gloves are cumbersome due to stiffness, leading to slippage during play, especially when wet, and are difficult to adjust quickly for a better fit across the hand and fingers.
Innovation Solution
A glove with a flexible layer connecting the dorsal and palm layers, featuring a pull tab and securing mechanism that allows for easy repositioning of the finger portion, enabling quick adjustments to maintain a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If goalie gloves are made with stiff cushioning material for impact protection, then hand protection is improved, but glove flexibility and fit are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is divided into multiple layers: a stiff dorsal layer for protection, a flexible intermediate layer for comfort and movement, and a palm layer for grip. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between protection and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the glove have different material properties - the dorsal side uses stiff cushioning material for impact protection, while the palm and finger areas use more flexible materials to maintain dexterity and fit. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific purpose
2Strength
If goalie gloves are made with stiff cushioning material, then hand protection is improved, but glove slippage during play is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The glove incorporates adjustable straps and fastening systems that allow the fit to be dynamically adjusted during play. The flexible intermediate layer also allows the glove to adapt to hand movements, maintaining secure fit while providing protection
Solution Approach 2:
The wrist area features a separate adjustable strap system with different material properties than the main glove body, allowing independent adjustment of wrist fit to prevent slippage while maintaining the protective stiffness of the main glove structure
3Strength
If goalie gloves become wet during play, then impact protection is maintained, but glove weight increases causing slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The glove uses different materials with varying moisture absorption properties in different regions. The dorsal layer maintains its protective properties when wet, while the palm and wrist areas use materials that manage moisture better to minimize weight increase and slippage
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable strap system allows the wearer to compensate for weight changes and fit alterations caused by moisture absorption during play, maintaining secure fit despite the increased weight
4Strength
If goalie gloves are made with stiff material, then protection is improved, but quick adjustment during game is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The glove incorporates quick-adjust strap systems with magnetic or snap fasteners that allow rapid adjustment of fit during play. The flexible intermediate layer also enables quick adaptation to hand position changes without requiring full glove removal or complex adjustments
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 solution provides a comfortable, secure fit that remains effective even when wet, reducing slippage and fatigue by allowing easy manipulation of the glove during play.
Implementation Method 1
The pull tab can be grasped and pulled to reposition the finger portion of the glove on the hand
Implementation Method 2
The latex foam of the goalie glove becomes heavy when wet, which causes the glove to tend to slip away from the wrist
Data Source
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AI summary
A glove for use by a soccer goalie includes several adjustment mechanisms, such as straps. The straps allow the glove to be adjusted for fit, such as by manipulating the width of the glove across the palm or the size of the wrist opening. Additionally, the glove includes a pull tab that allows the wearer to adjust the position of the fingers of the hand within the glove quickly so that the webs of the fingers remain in contact with the inside of the glove at the bases of the finger stalls.