Pivotable Shoulder Pad Arches and Flush Buckle System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoulder pads have restricted range of motion due to rigid arches and bulky buckles, which also provide easy grab points for opponents, compromising both mobility and safety.
Innovation Solution
The shoulder pads feature pivotably connected arches made by injection molding with fiberglass and polyethylene, allowing 10-20 degrees of rotation, and a flush-mounted buckle system with a tongue-and-groove design to enhance mobility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If arch portions are rigidly attached to shoulder pads using numerous rivets, then structural stability is improved, but range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The arch attachment system is segmented into multiple functional zones: pivot connections at ends for rotation, and fewer stabilizing rivets at intermediate positions. This segmentation allows different regions of the arch to perform different functions - rotation at ends and stability at intermediate points - resolving the contradiction between range of motion and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch attachment transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the arch can pivot at its ends. The pivot connections allow the arch to rotate independently, providing dynamic range of motion while the stabilizing rivets maintain structural integrity during movement.
2Productivity
If compression molding is used to form arches, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but arch shape stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The arch is formed using a composite material system combining thermoplastic polymer matrix with reinforcing fibers (glass, carbon, or aramid). This composite structure maintains the manufacturing efficiency of injection molding while the fiber reinforcement prevents the arch from straightening out over time, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition parameters are changed by incorporating fibrous reinforcements into the thermoplastic matrix. This parameter change transforms the material properties to achieve both ease of injection molding and long-term shape retention, eliminating the need for post-molding heating and bending operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional buckles are used for securing shoulder pads, then ease of adjustment is improved, but safety deteriorates due to grab points
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle system is integrated into a flexible webbing structure that conforms to the contour of the shoulder pad. This flexible integration eliminates protruding hard surfaces and creates a flush mount that reduces grab points, while the webbing material maintains the ease of adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle system is merged with the shoulder pad structure itself rather than being a separate attached component. The buckle is integrated into the webbing and padding layers, creating a unified structure that eliminates protrusions and reduces grab points while maintaining adjustability.
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 solution provides dynamic range of motion, improved protection, and reduced weight while eliminating grab points, enhancing user mobility and safety during sports activities.
Implementation Method 1
The arch portions of the pads are manufactured by injection molding so that the arches maintain their arch shape without the need for structural components in addition to the single pivoting connection to maintain their shape
Implementation Method 2
a front end of each arch portion is pivotably connected to the respective front portion by a single fastener, a back end of each arch portion is pivotably connected to the respective back portion by a single fastener, and the pivotable connections allow each arch portion to rotate independently
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is to shoulder pads having arches that are pivotably connected to the chest and back portions of the pads to give an increased range of motion for a user. The arch is connected with a single pivoting connection on the chest portion and a single pivoting connection on the back portion so that the arch pivots relative to the chest and back portions of the shoulder pads. The arch portions of the pads are manufactured by injection molding so that the arches maintain their arch shape without the need for structural components to maintain its shape. The invention also includes a buckle system for shoulder pads that provide an easy mechanism for a user to adjust and to take the pads on and off. The buckle system provides a generally flush mount which reduces and preferably eliminates any grab points.