Kneepad Air-Pocket Structure for Lower Patella Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kneepads fail to effectively protect the knees from prolonged pressure and discomfort during kneeling, particularly on hard surfaces, due to constraints in design and material configuration.

Innovation Solution

A kneepad design featuring a cover with protrusions and an inner cushion that creates an air pocket, where the cover is harder than the cushion, allowing the cushion to sag into the pocket, reducing pressure on the knee.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an elaborate mesh-like structure is used to absorb pressure by flexing or compressing, then pressure absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to rigid components and constrained configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure on kneeVSAvoidkneepad structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kneepad is divided into distinct functional segments: a compliant inner cushion for pressure absorption and a harder outer cover with protrusions for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer cover features localized protrusions positioned specifically to correspond with the patella and surrounding knee structures. These protrusions provide targeted support and help define air pockets in critical areas without requiring the entire kneepad to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a harder outer cover is used to protect against blunt force from hard surfaces, then protection capability is improved, but pressure distribution on the knee worsens due to increased rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against blunt forceVSAvoidpressure on knee

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The kneepad employs asymmetric hardness distribution: the outer cover is harder to resist external blunt force, while the inner cushion is softer to conform to and protect the knee. This asymmetry resolves the contradiction by having different parts serve different protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates pre-formed air pockets between the outer cover and inner cushion, positioned in advance to reduce pressure on the patella and surrounding areas before contact with hard surfaces occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the outer cover and inner cushion are made with similar hardness, then ease of manufacture is improved, but pressure reduction capability worsens because the air pocket cannot form effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial selectionVSAvoidlocalized pressure on patella

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies different hardness parameters for the outer cover and inner cushion materials. The outer cover has a higher hardness value to maintain structural integrity and define air pockets, while the inner cushion has lower hardness to provide comfort and pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively distributes pressure, providing enhanced comfort and protection by reducing localized pressure on the knee, especially the patella, through the use of an air pocket and structured protrusions.

Implementation Method 1

the air pocket may reduce a pressure exerted on a knee when a user kneels while wearing the kneepad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pocket pressure reduction:

Implementation Method 2

The outer cover may have two or more protrusions positioned along an inner surface of the curved body... When coupled, the outer cover and inner cushion may define an air pocket therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support structure:

Implementation Method 3

a portion of the inner cushion may sag into the air pocket when the kneepad is worn by the user, especially when the user is kneeling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational deformation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12550955B2Kneepads

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TOMMYCO KNEEPADS

AI summary

A kneepad device includes an outer cover having a curved body and including two or more protrusions positioned along, and extending away from, an inner surface of the curved body. The kneepad also includes an inner cushion configured to couple with the outer cover and contact a knee of a user when being worn. The outer cover has a hardness that is greater than that of the cushion, such that the outer cover provides a protective shell, and the inner cushion conforms to the surface of the user's knee. When coupled, the outer cover and inner cushion define an air pocket therebetween, which reduces the localized pressure exerted on the user's knee when kneeling. The two or more protrusions can define elongate strips of material, the space between which further defines the air pocket between the cover and the cushion.