Hockey Goalie Stick Paddle Segmentation for Grip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Goaltenders face difficulty in gripping and controlling the goalie stick due to the immense force and speed of hockey shots, which requires significant hand strength and can be challenging to maneuver effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hockey goalie stick with a gripping aid that protrudes above the paddle's surface in the handgrip area, providing additional support and control, which can be integral or separate, and is designed to assist the pointer finger in gripping and maneuvering the stick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the goalie stick is made with a wide paddle to improve blocking surface area, then the blocking capability is improved, but the grip and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a wide blocking surface area and a narrower handgrip area. This segmentation allows the paddle to provide extensive blocking surface while maintaining a reduced grip area that is easier to control and maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the paddle have different widths tailored to their specific functions. The blocking portion has maximum width for coverage, while the handgrip portion has reduced width for improved grip and maneuverability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between wide blocking surface and easy control.
2Strength
If the goalie stick is made from composite materials to increase strength and durability, then the stick strength is improved, but the weight increases making it harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The goalie stick uses composite materials (wood reinforced with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar) to achieve high strength and durability while maintaining relative lightweight properties. The composite construction provides the necessary strength for blocking high-speed shots without excessive weight that would hinder maneuverability.
3Strength
If the paddle thickness is increased to improve structural strength, then the stick strength is improved, but the grip area becomes larger and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle structure is segmented with the handgrip area having reduced thickness compared to the blocking portion. This allows the paddle to maintain structural strength in the blocking area while having a thinner, more controllable grip area that fits comfortably in the hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle thickness is locally differentiated: thicker in the blocking portion for structural strength and impact resistance, and thinner in the handgrip portion for improved maneuverability and reduced grip area. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between strength and control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a hockey goalie stick having a gripping aid that protrudes above the first major surface only in a handgrip area of the paddle. The hockey goalie stick includes a blade, a shaft having a width and a thickness, a paddle that extends between the blade and the shaft. The paddle has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface with a maximum thickness equal to approximately the thickness of the shaft. The paddle includes a handgrip area having shoulders in which a width of the first major surface and the second major surface transitions to the width of the shaft. The gripping aid protrudes above the first major surface only in the handgrip area of the paddle.