Knee Pad with Segmented Contact Surfaces for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee pads are unstable and prone to slipping due to their single contact surface design, which can lead to discomfort and increased risk of injury, especially when users are in a kneeling position and moving their upper body, and they often become worn and unusable, contributing to waste.
Innovation Solution
A knee pad device with a plurality of co-planarly aligned contact surfaces that distribute weight over a wider footprint, incorporating stabilizing projections and removable components for improved stability, shock absorbency, and slip resistance, along with ergonomic design and air cooling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional knee pads use a single contact surface design, then the device structure is simple, but the device becomes unstable and prone to slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The single contact surface is segmented into multiple contact surfaces (first, second, third, and fourth contact surfaces) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation distributes the user's weight across multiple points, preventing slippage and improving stability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern rather than a single point or line. The first and second contact surfaces are spaced apart in a first direction, while the third and fourth contact surfaces are spaced apart in a second direction transverse to the first, creating a stable footprint that resists slipping in multiple directions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional knee pads provide basic protection, then the device is simple, but it causes discomfort and injury during prolonged kneeling
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with specific contact surfaces, a cushioning element for comfort, and an adjustable strap system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the knee pad have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The contact surfaces provide stability, the cushioning element provides comfort and pressure distribution, and the strap system provides adjustable securing. Each local region is designed with the specific quality needed for its purpose.
3Stability of the object's composition
If knee pads are designed for basic support, then the device is simple, but weight distribution is poor causing back and neck strain
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is segmented across multiple contact surfaces positioned at specific locations. The first and second contact surfaces in the first direction, combined with the third and fourth contact surfaces in the transverse direction, create a distributed support system that evenly spreads the user's weight, reducing strain on the back and neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight distribution is achieved by arranging contact surfaces in two dimensions rather than concentrating support at a single point. The spaced arrangement of contact surfaces in both the first direction and the transverse direction creates a stable footprint that effectively distributes load across a larger area.
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 device provides enhanced stability and comfort by evenly distributing weight across multiple contact surfaces, reducing fatigue and the risk of slipping, while allowing for easy replacement of worn components, thus extending the device's lifespan and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
communicating the force of a user's weight to a plurality of contact surfaces with the support surface
Implementation Method 2
employing means for shock absorbency for reducing fatigue by reducing the perceived weight communicated to the user's knee
Implementation Method 3
employing slip resistance means with knee pad devices for reducing slip between the contact surfaces and the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A knee pad for engagement to a user in an as-worn position with a cavity defined by an interior surface surrounding a knee of a user. A plurality of projections extend from the body of the knee pad and are made of compressible material to provide a cushioned support to the knees and prevent rolling of the knee pad during use.