Knee Pad Assembly Hinge and Retaining Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee pads integrated into garments often require manual removal of foreign objects from pockets, which can be inconvenient and may allow debris to enter, compromising protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A knee pad system with a hard shell member and hinge mechanism that allows for easy insertion and secure locking into a pant garment, featuring a retaining groove to prevent debris entry and a flexible furrowed portion for comfort during movement, along with a foam pad for cushioning and fastening system for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If knee pads are integrated into pant garments with pockets, then the knee pads can be easily attached and removed, but foreign objects can enter the pocket and require manual removal of the knee pad
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into separate functional components: a protective member (foam pad), a hard shell member, and a retaining groove member. This segmentation allows the knee pad to be inserted as a complete unit into the pant garment without requiring manual removal or manipulation of individual components, thereby preventing debris entry while maintaining ease of attachment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad components are nested within each other in a compact configuration that fits into the pant garment pocket. The protective member is positioned within the hard shell member, which in turn is retained by the retaining groove member. This nested arrangement allows the entire knee pad assembly to be inserted as a single unit, preventing debris from entering the pocket while maintaining ease of operation.
2Strength
If a hard shell is used for knee pad protection, then durability and protection are improved, but flexibility and comfort during movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hard shell member incorporates a furrowed portion with localized flexing characteristics. The furrows create specific zones of flexibility within the otherwise rigid hard shell structure. This allows the hard shell to maintain its protective strength while providing localized flexibility and comfort during movement, resolving the contradiction between durability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad uses a composite structure combining a foam pad (soft, cushioning material) with a hard shell member (rigid, protective material). The foam pad provides cushioning and comfort, while the hard shell provides protection and durability. Together, they resolve the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
3Strength
If the hard shell member is made rigid for protection, then durability is improved, but ease of insertion and removal from pant garment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hard shell member is designed with a hinge mechanism that allows it to dynamically change from a rigid, closed state (providing protection) to an open, flexible state (facilitating insertion and removal). The hinge enables the hard shell to flex open for easy insertion into the pant garment and then snap into place to provide durable protection, resolving the contradiction between durability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee pad assembly includes a protective member, a hard shell member and a hinge member connecting the protective member and the hard shell member. A first end of the hard shell member is connected to the hinge member. A second end of the hard shell member opposing the first end has an upper lip member and a lower lip member, the upper lip member and the lower lip member defining a recessed member that extends from one side of second end of the hard shell member to another side of the second end of the hard shell member.