Knee Pad with Non-Uniform Padding for Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee pads often fail to provide adequate comfort and protection by uniformly distributing pressure, which can lead to stress and damage on the knee joint, especially the patella bone and surrounding cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Innovation Solution
A knee pad design featuring a shell with a single integral padding sheet that includes a central portion with a lower durometer and an outer portion with a higher durometer, providing asymmetrical zones of softness and firmness to reduce pressure on specific areas of the knee, coupled with a flexible and durable polymer shell for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a uniform padding structure is used in conventional knee pads, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the pressure distribution is inadequate causing stress on the knee joint
Solution Approach 1:
The padding sheet is designed with different durometer values in different regions: a central portion with a first durometer and an outer portion with a second durometer. This local variation in material properties allows the central area to provide softer cushioning for the patella while the outer area provides firmer support for surrounding structures, achieving optimized pressure distribution without requiring complex multi-component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding sheet incorporates a non-uniform, asymmetrical design where the central portion and outer portion have different material properties (durometer values). This asymmetrical configuration matches the anatomical requirements of the knee joint, providing differentiated support zones that reflect the varying pressure needs across the knee surface during use.
2Stress or pressure
If a single integral padding sheet with varying durometer is used, then pressure distribution is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter (durometer) across different regions of the padding sheet to achieve differentiated pressure distribution. By varying the durometer from the central portion to the outer portion, the design optimizes comfort and protection without requiring complex multi-layer assemblies or adjustable mechanisms, thus managing manufacturing precision requirements through material property variation rather than structural complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional knee pads uniformly distribute pressure, then the structure is simple, but stress concentrates on the patella and surrounding tissues causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The padding sheet is designed with different durometer values in different regions: a central portion with a first durometer and an outer portion with a second durometer. This local variation in material properties allows the central area to provide softer cushioning for the patella while the outer area provides firmer support for surrounding structures, achieving optimized pressure distribution without requiring complex multi-component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding sheet incorporates a non-uniform, asymmetrical design where the central portion and outer portion have different material properties (durometer values). This asymmetrical configuration matches the anatomical requirements of the knee joint, providing differentiated support zones that reflect the varying pressure needs across the knee surface during use.
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 knee pad design offers improved comfort and protection by distributing pressure more evenly, reducing stress on the knee joint and maintaining support even after multiple uses, while allowing for flexibility and stability during various movements.
Implementation Method 1
The central portion has a first durometer and the outer portion has a second durometer. The first durometer is different than the second durometer... distributing pressure more evenly, reducing stress on the knee joint
Data Source
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AI summary
A protective clothing equipment is provided that is comfortable, stabilizing, and compatible with varying types of surfaces. One embodiment of the protective clothing equipment includes a shell, padding disposed in front of the knee of the wearer, the padding including a non-uniform stiffness.