Hinged Leg Guard Knee Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg guards for catchers in diamond sports fail to provide adequate protection against hyperextension of the knee and do not mimic the natural range of motion, leading to gaps that expose the leg to injury during transitions between standing and crouching positions.
Innovation Solution
A hinged leg guard design featuring a double hinge mechanism that allows independent movement of the thigh and shin guards relative to the knee guard, with translational freedom provided by extension members and receivers, ensuring snug fit and protection across various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible fabric is used to attach guards, then adaptability to leg movements is improved, but protection against gaps and hyperextension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hinges instead of flexible fabric to create a dynamic mechanical connection that allows controlled movement. The hinge enables the guards to adapt to natural leg motion while maintaining structural integrity and preventing gaps, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection mechanism from a flexible fabric with variable, uncontrolled movement to a hinged mechanism with defined rotational parameters. This parameter change allows the guard to move within specific angular ranges that mimic natural knee motion while preventing hyperextension.
2Strength
If fixed rigid structure is used for leg guard, then protection against impacts is improved, but natural range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg guard is divided into separate segments (thigh guard, knee guard, shin guard) connected by hinges. This segmentation allows each part to move independently, mimicking the natural articulation of the leg while maintaining rigid protective surfaces for impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections transform the fixed rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt its configuration during movement. The rigid guards provide impact protection while the hinge mechanism enables natural range of motion by allowing controlled rotation between segments.
3Area of stationary object
If existing hinged design with side plate is used, then coverage in crouched position is improved, but mimicry of natural knee motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to replicate the dynamic motion characteristics of the human knee joint. Unlike a fixed side plate, the hinge allows the guards to move through a range of angles that naturally follow knee articulation during crouching, standing, and running movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the hinge's rotational parameters to match the kinematic properties of natural knee motion. By adjusting the hinge's angular range and rotation axis, the guard system can mimic physiological knee movement patterns while maintaining adequate coverage in various positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinged leg guard that may be used by catchers in diamond sports like baseball or softball. The hinged leg guard preferably includes a thigh guard, knee guard, shin guard that may be attached to one another by a flexible fabric. The thigh guard and shin guard also are preferably attached to a double hinge member that allows them to move relative to the knee guard. The knee guard also is preferably coupled to the double hinge member. When the hinged leg guard alternates between the extended and contracted position, an extension member of the knee guard preferably translates in one translational degree of freedom within a receiver of the hinge member. The translational movement preferably helps to keep the knee guard adjacent to the knee when a wearer crouches.