Sport Neck Guard with Vertical Fasteners and Fabric Fold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neck guards for sports, particularly hockey, often fail to provide complete coverage, are uncomfortable due to poor fastening systems, and restrict range of motion with stiff materials.
Innovation Solution
A continuous, slash-resistant tube made from high-strength fibers, designed to fit comfortably around the neck with elastic properties, and secured using straps with adjustable fasteners to ensure stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the neck guard is fastened too tightly around the wearer's neck, then security and stability are improved, but comfort and breathing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The neck guard employs a dynamic fastening system with adjustable straps and buckles that allow the wearer to customize the fit. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the guard to maintain security while adapting to comfort needs, resolving the contradiction between tight fastening for security and comfort for breathing.
2Ease of operation
If the neck guard is fastened too loosely around the wearer's neck, then comfort and breathing are improved, but security and stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fastening system allows the wearer to optimize the balance between comfort and security. By providing multiple adjustment points and flexible strapping, the system enables the wearer to achieve the precise fit needed for both comfort and reliable protection.
3Reliability
If stiff, thick materials are used to hold the neck guard in place, then stability is improved, but range of motion and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The neck guard utilizes flexible materials and thin-film construction that can conform to the neck's contours while maintaining protective integrity. This flexibility allows the guard to stay in place through movement without requiring stiff, thick materials that would restrict range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible construction with adjustable fastening creates a dynamic system that adapts to head movements and neck positions, maintaining stability through flexibility rather than rigidity, thus preserving range of motion while ensuring the guard remains in place.
4Reliability
If the neck guard is fastened tightly, then the guard does not shift during play, but heat trapping and reduced airflow are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fastening system allows the wearer to optimize the balance between stability and breathability. By providing customization options, the system enables the wearer to achieve sufficient stability to prevent shifting while maintaining enough openness for airflow and heat dissipation.
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 neck guard provides comprehensive protection for the neck and throat while maintaining comfort and flexibility, allowing for full range of motion without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
The tube may be at least somewhat elastic and resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A neck guard configured to protect a wearer's neck and throat from injury is provided. It comprises a continuous, slash-resistant tube defining inside and outside surfaces, and spaced apart top and bottom edges. The tube is sized to fit over the wearer's head for positioning around the neck, and the top edge is contoured to follow the shape of the wearer's jaw and skull. A plurality of means for securing the tube along both the top and bottom edges to other devices are provided as well to prevent the tube from drooping or otherwise moving out of place while being worn. The tube may be made from a seamless, knitted material using high-strength textile fibers such as aramid, para-aramid, polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, or nylon, and it may also be blended with other rugged yet elastic materials. The neck guard can include foam padding attached to the tube for additional protection.