Removable Knee Pad System with Concealed Cushioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knee pad devices are not effectively integrated into pant legs, leading to discomfort and visibility issues when kneeling, and they often require complex attachment methods or are not easily removable for laundry.

Innovation Solution

A pair of pants with removably coupled cushions aligned with the user's knees, featuring a deformable first pad with a cupped section and a resilient second pad, secured using hook and loop fasteners, which are concealed on the inside surface to enhance comfort and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If knee pads are attached to pant legs, then knee cushioning is provided, but the knee pads become visible and uncomfortable when kneeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknee discomfort and visibilityVSAvoidkneeling comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is nested within a pouch that is integrated into the pant leg, with the pouch opening positioned at the knee area. This nesting structure allows the cushion to be concealed within the pant fabric during normal wear while remaining accessible and comfortable when the user kneels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch is designed to be dynamic in nature, allowing it to remain closed and conceal the cushion during standing/walking, but opening automatically or easily when the user kneels. This dynamic behavior adapts the knee pad system to different user postures and activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If knee pads are securely attached to pant legs, then they remain in position during use, but they become difficult to remove for laundry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion attachment stabilityVSAvoidcushion removal for laundry
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The knee pad system is segmented into separate components: the cushion, the pouch, and the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the cushion to be easily inserted into and removed from the pouch, providing secure attachment during use while enabling simple removal for laundry without requiring detachment from the pant leg structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If complex attachment methods are used for knee pads, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to use and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch incorporates a self-service fastening mechanism that automatically secures the cushion when inserted. The fastening system requires no complex assembly or adjustment by the user - simply inserting the cushion into the pouch triggers the secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex manual attachment procedures while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effective knee cushioning during kneeling while maintaining a clean, concealed appearance and ease of removal for laundry, enhancing user comfort and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

secured using hook and loop fasteners

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Each of the cushions comprises a first pad (28) that has a first surface (30), a second surface (32) and a peripheral edge (34) extending between the first surface (30) and the second surface (32). The peripheral edge (34) is continuous and the first pad (28) has an ovoid shape. The peripheral edge (34) has a first lateral side (36) and a second lateral side (38). The first pad (28) is elongated along the first lateral side (36) and the second lateral side (38).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic Deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

A second pad (46) is coupled to the first pad (28). The second pad (46) abuts the knee (26) when the user (24) bends thereby facilitating the second pad (46) to cushion the knee (26).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient Compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10004285B2Knee pad system
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 JOHNSON JONATHAN

AI summary

A knee pad system includes a pair of pants that may be worn. The pants including a pair of legs and each of the legs has an inside surface. A pair of cushions is provided and each of the cushions is removably coupled to the pants. Each of the cushions is aligned with an associated one of a pair of a user's knees. Thus, each of the cushions may cushion the associated knee when the user kneels. Each of the cushions is positioned on the inside surface to conceal each of the cushions.