Pivoting Knee-Cushion Assembly for Compact Paired Storage
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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 elliptically or oval-shaped panels that fan apart for deployment and overlap for compact storage, featuring a pin structure and magnetic mounting for easy storage on steel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual knee pads are used, then knee protection is provided, but they can become separated and are not always readily available
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate knee pads are merged into a single assembly connected by a hinge joint, ensuring they remain together and are always readily available as a complete pair when needed
2Ease of operation
If knee pads are designed for broad deployment, then both panels are accessible for use, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint enables the knee pads to dynamically change configuration between a deployed state (panels fanned apart for simultaneous accessibility) and a stored state (panels folded together for compact storage), adapting to different usage and storage needs
3Ease of operation
If magnetic mounting is added for easy storage, then storage convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting mechanism allows the knee pad assembly to be easily self-mounted and self-stored by the user without requiring additional tools or complex installation procedures, the magnet providing automatic holding force when brought near steel surfaces
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 comprehensive knee protection while allowing for easy storage and deployment, 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.