Modular Shin Guard with Articulation Skeleton for Dynamic Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shin guards are uncomfortable to wear, do not fit optimally, and can cause irritation and injury due to their design, which restricts movement and does not adapt well to individual shin shapes, and they require special socks for use.
Innovation Solution
A modular shin guard design comprising a central and lateral protective elements with padding and articulation skeletons that allow for adjustable fit and movement, made from lightweight yet impact-resistant materials, enabling customization and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional one-piece shin guards are used, then protection is provided, but comfort and fit are poor causing irritation and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The shin guard is divided into multiple separate pads (central pad, lateral pads, ankle pads) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each pad to be customized for optimal fit and comfort while maintaining protective function, thereby eliminating skin irritation caused by poor fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The shin guard incorporates flexible materials and adjustable strap bands that allow dynamic adaptation to the user's leg shape and movement. The pads can be positioned and secured at different locations, providing a dynamic fit that moves with the user rather than restricting movement, thus preventing injury.
2Reliability
If conventional shin guards require special socks, then secure positioning is achieved, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the requirement for special socks by integrating all necessary securing mechanisms directly into the shin guard itself through adjustable strap bands and multiple attachment points. This extraction of the sock dependency maintains reliable positioning while significantly improving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap bands serve multiple functions: securing the central pad, lateral pads, and ankle pads, while also allowing adjustment for different leg sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized socks while maintaining reliable positioning across different users.
3Strength
If rigid protective shields are used, then impact protection is provided, but breathability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the shin guard use different materials and structures optimized for their specific functions: rigid protective elements for impact areas, flexible materials for contact areas, and breathable mesh for ventilation zones. This local quality differentiation maintains impact protection while significantly improving breathability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The shin guard combines multiple materials including rigid protective shields, flexible foam padding, breathable mesh fabric, and adjustable strap bands. This composite construction allows each material to contribute its optimal properties: protection, comfort, breathability, and adjustability, simultaneously resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shin guard (1) of the modular type comprising at least a first shin guard module (2) and a second shin guard module (3) movable to each other. Each shin guard module (2, 3) is configured to protect, under normal-use condition of the shin guard (1), a portion of a shin of a user. The shin guard (1) further comprises a swivelled articulation skeleton (11) engaged to the first shin guard module (2) and to the second shin guard module (3) at respective surfaces and configured to allow a relative movement between first shin guard module (2) and second shin guard module (3).