Impact-Attenuation Sub-Layer for Modular Shoulder-Pad Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder pads often restrict range-of-motion, are bulky, or require constant readjustment after impact, limiting their effectiveness in providing impact protection.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoulder-pad system comprising a base-layer garment, an impact-attenuation sub-layer, and an impact-plate assembly, where the sub-layers and components are releasably coupled, allowing for customizable and independent movement of system parts, enhancing range-of-motion and reducing the need for post-impact adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shoulder pads are made with rigid and bulky components to provide impact protection, then impact attenuation is improved, but range-of-motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder pad system is divided into multiple independent layers: a base layer garment, an impact-attenuation sub-layer with energy-managing material, and an outer shell with protective pads. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the impact-attenuation sub-layer providing protection without restricting movement of the outer shell or base layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes energy-managing material with specific physical parameters (viscoelastic properties, loss tangent between 0.05 and 0.25) that allow the material to attenuate impact forces while maintaining flexibility. This parameter optimization enables the material to provide protection without the bulk and rigidity of traditional hard pads.
2Reliability
If traditional shoulder pads use bulky components to ensure impact protection, then impact attenuation is improved, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-managing material is engineered with specific physical parameters including a loss tangent between 0.05 and 0.25, which optimizes its impact attenuation efficiency. This allows thinner, less bulky material to provide equivalent or superior protection compared to traditional bulky padding, reducing overall volume while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the energy-managing material with a base layer garment and outer shell in a composite structure. This composite approach allows the impact-attenuation sub-layer to be integrated efficiently, providing protection with minimal added bulk compared to traditional homogeneous padding designs.
3Device complexity
If traditional shoulder pads are designed as integrated units, then structural simplicity is maintained, but constant readjustment is required after impact
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder pad system is divided into separable layers (base layer, impact-attenuation sub-layer, outer shell) that can move independently. After impact, the outer shell can be adjusted separately from the impact-attenuation sub-layer, allowing partial readjustment without replacing entire components. This segmentation reduces the frequency and extent of readjustment needed compared to integrated designs.
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 system provides improved range-of-motion and stability while effectively attenuating impacts, minimizing maintenance, and allowing customization for individual athlete needs.
Implementation Method 1
the impact-attenuation sub-layer includes an energy-managing material having a loss tangent between 0.05 and 0.25
Implementation Method 2
effectively attenuating impacts
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects herein relate to a shoulder-pad system (100) that may be used to attenuate impact in various contexts. The shoulder-pad system may have a number of subcomponents, which may include an impact plate assembly (200), an impact-attenuation sub-layer (300), a base-layer garment (400), and a securing garment (500), among others. The shoulder-pad system may be described as modular, in that the various subcomponents may be added to, and/or removed from the system when it is desirable to do so.