Rocking Knee Pad Assembly for Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee pads fail to effectively distribute pressure away from the knee while a worker is kneeling, leading to discomfort and potential injury over time, especially when shifting weight.
Innovation Solution
A knee pad assembly comprising a flexible upper cushion and a rigid lower base that rock back and forth, with features like compression zones and spring sheets to absorb and distribute pressure, and an optional supplemental shin support to deflect pressure from the knee and shin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional knee pads are used to cover the knee, then the knee is protected from direct impact, but the pressure is still concentrated on the knee causing discomfort and injury over time
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into multiple functional zones: a rigid lower base for load distribution, a flexible upper cushion for pressure absorption, and a compression zone with openings that collapse under load to redirect force. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function in distributing and absorbing pressure away from the knee.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible upper cushion acts as an intermediary between the rigid lower base and the knee. It receives compressive forces from the rigid base and transforms them into distributed pressure across the knee surface, preventing direct transmission of concentrated impact forces to the knee joint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional knee pads remain stationary during weight shifting, then they provide stable coverage, but they fail to deflect pressure away from the knee when the workman leans forward
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible upper cushion that deforms under load, a compression zone with openings that collapse when pressure is applied, and a curved bottom surface that enables rocking motion. These dynamic features allow the knee pad to adapt its shape and position in response to changing loads and workman movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower base features a curved bottom surface that contacts the work surface. This curvature enables the knee pad to rock back and forth as the workman shifts weight, maintaining stable contact with the surface while allowing dynamic adjustment to leaning positions.
3Ease of operation
If the upper knee cushion is made soft and compressible to absorb pressure, then comfort is improved, but the structural support may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad combines two materials with complementary properties: a rigid lower base material (such as plastic or foam) that provides structural support and load distribution, and a flexible upper cushion material (such as foam or rubber) that absorbs pressure and conforms to the knee. This composite structure integrates both support and comfort functions.
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
Reduces knee and shin pressure concentration, enhancing comfort and minimizing injury risk by distributing weight and impact forces across a larger area.
Implementation Method 1
A set of openings are formed in the bottom of the flexible upper knee cushion to create a compression zone at which the upper knee cushion collapses so as to absorb and refocus pressure away from the workman's knee in response to the force generated by his knee pushing down against the upper knee cushion
Implementation Method 2
The rigid lower base establishes an outer protective shell having a continuously curved bottom surface along its longitudinal axis at which the knee pad rocks back and forth over the work surface by which the force is distributed along his knee and shin
Data Source
AI summary
A knee pad assembly is disclosed to protect the knee of a workman who kneels down while working on a work surface. The knee pad assembly includes a flexible upper knee cushion at which to receive and cover the workman's knee and a rigid lower base that lies on the work surface below the upper knee cushion. The lower base has a continuously curved bottom to rock back and forth on the work surface when the workman shifts his weight while kneeling. The upper knee cushion and the lower base are held one above the other against the knee of the workman by a knee pad strap that is wrapped around the workman's leg. A pair of springs (e.g., flexible carbon fiber sheets having a spring memory) extend across the lower base below the upper knee cushion so as to suspend the workman's knee above the work surface and flex in response to the workman's knee pushing down on the knee cushion.