Hockey Glove Integrated Padding Flexion Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hockey and lacrosse gloves require multiple components and manufacturing steps to provide flexibility and protection, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A glove design featuring a single pocket-mounted padding element on each finger gusset and dorsal sheet, which defines flexion zones to allow for movement and reduce the number of distinct protectors, thereby simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distinct dorsal and finger protectors are used, then protection and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distinct dorsal and finger protectors into a single integrated protector that covers the entire dorsal side of the hand. This single protector includes multiple padding zones (distal dorsal padding zone, proximal dorsal padding zone, and finger padding zones) that provide protection equivalent to multiple separate protectors while reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated protector is segmented into multiple functional zones with different padding densities and configurations. The distal dorsal padding zone, proximal dorsal padding zone, and finger padding zones are differentiated to provide appropriate protection levels for different anatomical regions while maintaining a unified structure.
2Reliability
If multiple distinct dorsal and finger protectors are used, then protection and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protector components into a single integrated unit that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled module. This eliminates the need to separately manufacture and assemble multiple distinct protectors, reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining comprehensive protection across all dorsal and finger regions.
3Reliability
If multiple distinct dorsal and finger protectors are used, then protection is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple protectors into a single integrated component that reduces material usage, manufacturing time, and assembly operations. This single protector with its multiple padding zones provides equivalent protection to multiple separate protectors while lowering production costs through economies of scale and simplified manufacturing processes.
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 design provides flexibility and protection while minimizing components and manufacturing steps, resulting in a cost-effective and less complex production process.
Implementation Method 1
the padding element defining at least one flexion zone such that, in use, flexing of the player's finger imparts movement of the padding element
Data Source
AI summary
A hockey or lacrosse glove comprising a cuff and a hand receiving portion having a palm sheet, a dorsal sheet extending longitudinally from a proximal end located adjacent the distal end of the cuff to a distal end that is, in use, located generally above the proximal articulation of each finger, and four finger gussets, each finger gusset having a distal end for covering the distal end of the finger. The glove also has at least one protector extending to an end located generally above the distal end of the finger gusset and comprising a single pocket and a padding element contained in the single pocket, the padding element defining at least one flexion zone such that, in use, flexing of the player's hand or finger imparts movement of the padding element.