Pivotably deployable knee-cushion assembly for indoor and outdoor use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee protection devices often fail to provide adequate protection and convenience, as they can become separated or are inconvenient to use, and lack compact storage options.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally interconnected knee-cushion assembly with forward and rearward panels that fan apart for deployment and pivot into an overlapping configuration for compact storage, featuring a pin structure and magnetic mounting for easy storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate knee pads are used, then knee protection coverage is improved, but the risk of separation and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate knee pads are merged into a single assembly through pivotal connection, ensuring they remain together while maintaining the ability to spread for use. The pivotal connection allows the panels to function as a unified system that prevents separation and loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified assembly is segmented into two pivotally connected panels that can fan apart for use. This segmentation allows each panel to provide independent knee protection while remaining connected through the pivotal joint, preventing separation and loss.
2Area of stationary object
If knee pads are designed for broad deployment, then protection coverage area is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad assembly transitions from a static to a dynamic structure through pivotal connection. The panels can fan apart to provide broad protection coverage area when needed, and pivot together for compact storage, adapting to different spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The two panels are designed to nest together in a compact configuration for storage, similar to nested dolls. When not in use, the panels pivot to overlap and store in a small space, while during use they fan apart to provide broad protection coverage.
3Volume of stationary object
If a locking mechanism is added to secure panels in closed configuration, then storage compactness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sheets provide self-service functionality by automatically attracting and holding the panels in closed configuration for compact storage. The magnetic force naturally secures the panels without requiring additional locking mechanisms, buttons, or complex fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking system is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic sheets adhered to the panels create an invisible magnetic field that holds the panels together in closed configuration, eliminating the need for mechanical locks, latches, or fasteners.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic sheets are added for mounting, then ease of storage and location is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible magnetic sheets are used instead of permanent or complex mounting systems. These magnetic sheets are inexpensive, easily applied, and can be removed or replaced if needed, providing cost-effective magnetic mounting capability for storage and location.
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 ensures both panels are always available for use, providing broad protection while allowing for compact storage and easy mounting to steel surfaces, enhancing user convenience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet, preferably in the form of a flexible sheet magnet, is adhesively secured to the back face of the back panel, and has adequate magnetic force to support the assembly when placed against a steel surface
Data Source
AI summary
A knee-cushion assembly includes an oval forward panel and an oval rearward panel, each cushioned with high density, closed cell foam, which are pivotally interconnected to fan apart to a deployed configuration for use, and to pivot into an overlapping, closed configuration for compact storage. The panels are pivotally interconnected by a pin structure. When deployed, the front faces of both panels are presented and accessible so that a user can rest a knee on each, to protect their knees from the impact, pressure, discomfort and injury that can be caused by placing knees directly on a hard support surface such as a floor. A magnet preferably is secured to the rearward surface of the rearward panel so that the assembly can be magnetically attached to any flat steel surface.