Removable Thigh Pad for Baseball Catchers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thigh protection pads for catchers in baseball and softball do not adequately protect the inner and frontal thighs from high-speed ball impacts, are not removable, and restrict movement, making them unsuitable for the unique demands of the catcher's position.
Innovation Solution
A removable protective thigh pad designed to be worn externally, providing full coverage from the inner thigh to the outer thigh and from the patella to the pubis, anchored to the waist for stability and easily attachable/c detachable using Velcro and nylon strapping, ensuring minimal impact on mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thigh pads are worn inside pants in internal pockets, then they provide continuous protection, but they cannot be removed and must be worn the whole game affecting running ability
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad system transitions from a static, permanently attached design to a dynamic, removable design. The pad can be quickly attached and detached from the uniform using external straps and fasteners, allowing the catcher to remove it for batting and base running, then reattach it for catching duties.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pad is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached and removed. It is segmented from the uniform through external attachment mechanisms (straps, fasteners) rather than being integrated into internal pockets, enabling selective use during different phases of gameplay.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If football pads are worn inside pants, then they protect the front of the thigh from quadriceps contusion, but they do not protect the inner thigh and do not completely cover the frontal thigh
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad incorporates different density and material zones to address specific vulnerability areas. Higher density foam or additional padding layers are positioned specifically for the inner thigh region (adductor muscles) and frontal thigh areas, while other regions use standard density material, optimizing protection where ball impacts are most likely to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad design extends coverage to previously unprotected areas by adding lateral width to cover the inner thigh from the mid-thigh to the groin area, and increasing vertical coverage from just above the knee to the upper thigh. This dimensional expansion ensures complete frontal and inner thigh coverage.
3Ease of operation
If removable protective pads are worn externally, then they allow freedom of movement for batting and base running, but they must provide robust ballistic protection equivalent to traditional catcher gear
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad uses composite material construction combining high-density impact-resistant foam (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) with durable outer fabrics and flexible strap materials. This composite structure provides ballistic protection equivalent to traditional catcher gear while maintaining flexibility and comfort for extended wear during catching duties.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad design optimizes the density and thickness parameters of the protective foam to achieve the required ballistic protection level. By carefully selecting foam density (typically 40-60 lb/cu ft) and thickness (1.5-2 inches), the pad provides protection comparable to traditional gear while remaining lightweight enough not to hinder movement during batting and base running.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a pad covers the full inner thigh from semitendinosus muscle to pubis, then it protects against high-speed ball impacts to vulnerable muscles, but it requires precise positioning and attachment stability
Solution Approach 1:
The pad includes pre-positioned attachment points and guide straps that facilitate correct positioning before final securing. The straps are pre-routed to align with anatomical landmarks, ensuring the pad is positioned correctly over the inner thigh muscles (semitendinosus, gracilis, adductor longus) before being fastened, which maintains stability during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system uses intermediary elements such as elastic straps, Velcro fasteners, and adjustable buckles that mediate between the pad and the uniform/body. These intermediaries allow for fine-tuning of the pad's position and ensure stable attachment that accommodates movement while maintaining coverage of the vulnerable inner thigh muscle groups.
Data Source
AI summary
An externally worn protective thigh pad which protects the inner and frontal thigh muscles from baseball or softball impacts. The protective thigh pad is designed specifically for the player who begins play by squatting behind a batter and spreading their legs. This is usually referred to as the catcher, but this could also be the umpire. The protective thigh pad provides a level of ballistic protection equal to the rest of the catchers gear. The protective thigh pad can be easily put on and removed for batting and base running. The protective thigh pad is comfortable enough to wear through nine innings of play. The protective thigh pad protects an area of the thigh from the inner thigh to the outer thigh and from the patella to the pubis. The protective thigh pad is circumferentially attached to the thigh then suspended from the waist keeping the pad in place.