Thermoformed Knit Goalkeeper Glove for Ball Control and Hand Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soccer goalkeepers face challenges in effectively controlling and directing the ball, especially during punching actions, due to the limitations of existing goalkeeper gloves in providing sufficient grip and protection, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The goalkeeper glove features a multi-layer construction on the dorsal side, including a thermoformed knit textile layer with a core yarn coated by a thermoplastic elastomer, enhancing grip and incorporating ridges for improved control and stability, while a medial layer absorbs compressive energy to protect the hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dorsal surface of the glove uses a simple single-layer material, then the glove structure remains simple, but the grip and control over the ball during punching is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The glove employs a three-layer composite structure on the dorsal surface: an outer knit textile layer for grip, a medial polymeric foam layer for protection, and an inner layer for comfort. This composite construction integrates multiple functions (grip, protection, comfort) into a single cohesive structure, resolving the contradiction between enhanced reliability and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal dorsal portion of the glove features localized high-friction material with a coefficient of friction greater than 0.8, specifically positioned where ball contact occurs during punching. This local enhancement of grip properties allows the glove to provide superior control where needed without requiring the entire glove structure to be complex.
2Reliability
If the glove uses high-friction material on the dorsal surface to improve ball control, then grip is enhanced, but the protection against compressive energy during punching is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal surface of the glove is segmented into distinct functional layers: the outer knit textile layer (distal dorsal portion) provides high-friction ball control, while the medial polymeric foam layer provides compressive energy absorption for hand protection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between grip and protection.
3Reliability
If the glove uses a multi-layer construction with ridges on the dorsal surface, then control and stability during punching are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ridges are pre-formed as integral features of the polymeric foam layer during the molding process, rather than being added as separate components afterward. This preliminary formation of the ridge structure simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple steps into one, while still achieving the desired control and stability during punching.
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 glove provides enhanced grip and control over the ball, allowing goalkeepers to better direct the ball away from the goal, thereby improving defensive capabilities and reducing the risk of hand injuries.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior knit textile layer comprises a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns
Implementation Method 2
the exterior knit textile layer may have a coefficient of friction (COF) that is greater than a COF of one or more other areas of the glove
Implementation Method 3
A medial layer of the distal dorsal portion of the glove, which may comprise a polymeric foam composition, protects the dorsal side of the goal keeper's hand, in particular the area around their knuckles, when punching the ball by absorbing compressive energy
Data Source
AI summary
Athletic gloves, such as a goalkeeper's glove include a distal dorsal portion. The distal dorsal portion includes a multi-layer construction, such as a three-layer construction, including a textile layer, which sits next or at least closer to a wearer's skin, a medial layer, which may be made of foam, such as a polymeric foam composition, and an outer knit textile layer. The outer knit textile layer may include a first yarn having a first core yarn and a first polymeric composition coating. The knit textile layer is thermoformed in an example to form a high-grip portion on the distal dorsal portion of the athletic glove. The medial layer may include ridges on an exterior surface of the medial layer. These ridges may further be visible on an external surface of the distal dorsal portion of the glove.