Segmented Shin Guard with Hinged Rigid Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shin guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and lack custom sizing, leading to inadequate fit and reduced mobility, which compromises impact protection during sports activities.
Innovation Solution
A protective guard featuring an elastomeric sheath with a central core composed of rigid plates connected by hinges, allowing rotational movement and embedding within a conformable substrate for customizable fit and enhanced impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single piece of rigid plastic is used for the shin guard, then impact protection is provided, but the guard becomes bulky and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid plastic guard is divided into multiple rigid plates connected by flexible hinges. This segmentation allows the guard to maintain impact protection from the rigid plates while gaining flexibility and comfort through the hinges that allow movement between plates
Solution Approach 2:
The shin guard transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure where rigid plates can move relative to each other through hinges. This dynamic capability allows the guard to adapt to leg movement while maintaining protective function
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing shin guards are manufactured in different sizes, then some size accommodation is provided, but custom fit is almost impossible and guards protrude outward
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated structure with multiple movable plates allows the guard to conform to the unique contours of each player's leg. The segments can adjust to accommodate different leg shapes and sizes, providing a custom fit without requiring multiple size variations
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hinges enable the rigid plates to change their relative positions and angles, allowing the overall shape of the guard to adapt to different leg geometries. This parameter adjustment capability provides custom fit for various leg shapes and sizes
3Ease of manufacture
If existing shin guards are made as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing is simple, but the guards impede player movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is segmented into multiple plates connected by hinges, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling movement freedom through the articulated structure that allows the plates to flex during player movement
4Ease of manufacture
If a rigid plastic guard does not fit properly, then manufacturing is easy, but maximum impact protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated structure with adjustable plates allows the guard to be customized to fit each player's leg properly. This ensures maximum impact protection by positioning the rigid plates correctly on the shin, while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hinges allow adjustment of the plate positions and angles to match the player's leg geometry, ensuring proper fit for maximum protection. This parameter customization is achieved through a straightforward assembly process
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, adjustable, and effective impact protection system that conforms to individual leg shapes, minimizing bulk and maximizing protection without impeding movement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric substrate and a plurality of non-elastomeric core members
Implementation Method 2
a first plate that is joined by at least one hinge to a second plate
Data Source
AI summary
A protective guard for reducing injury to a shin of a person is provided. The protective guard includes an elastomeric substrate having a pocket disposed therein. A central core is carried by the pocket of the elastomeric substrate. The central core includes a plurality of rigid plates, a first of which is joined by at least one hinge to a second of the plates.