Segmented Ankle Sleeve with Localized Cushioning Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes participating in impact sports face injuries due to the lack of comfortable and effective protective gear for the ankle and foot areas, as existing gear is often heavy and uncomfortable, leading to reduced wear during practice sessions.
Innovation Solution
A knitted ankle sleeve with strategically placed cushioning pads made from impact-resistant materials like polyurethane foam, combined with elastic and moisture-management yarns, providing adjustable compression and comfort without compromising protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective gear is used, then protection level is improved, but weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gear is divided into multiple discrete cushioning pads positioned at specific anatomical locations (lateral malleolus, medial malleolus, Achilles tendon, lower shin) rather than using a single heavy protective covering. Each pad provides localized protection where needed most, reducing overall weight while maintaining protection levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cushioning pads are strategically placed at specific locations on the ankle and foot based on impact risk assessment. The protection is concentrated at vulnerable points (bony prominences, tendon areas) rather than uniformly distributed, optimizing protection-to-weight ratio by providing local quality enhancement only where necessary.
2Reliability
If traditional protective gear is used, then protection level is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gear uses flexible foam cushioning pads covered with elastic fabric that conforms to the body's contours. This flexible construction allows natural movement and deformation with the body, eliminating the rigidity and discomfort associated with traditional hard protective gear while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective gear is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with elastic materials that stretch and compress during movement. The cushioning pads move with the body during athletic activities, maintaining comfort and protection during dynamic activities like running, jumping, and cutting maneuvers.
3Ease of operation
If protective gear is made lighter, then comfort is improved, but protection level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gear combines lightweight foam cushioning material with elastic fabric covering and adhesive bonding systems. This composite construction achieves lightweight comfort while maintaining protection through the foam's impact-absorbing properties and the integrated design that ensures proper positioning during activity.
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 offers enhanced protection and comfort, allowing athletes to wear the gear regularly, reducing the risk of high-impact injuries during both practice and game play while maintaining mobility and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The protective gear features special padding at strategic locations to offer added protection without compromising comfort. The cushioning used for padding may comprise an impact-resistant foam such as a polyurethane foam.
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve may be knit from a combination of different types of yarns to impart different physical properties to the sleeve. For example, elastic yarns may be employed to knit an elastic sleeve that imparts higher compression strength on the ankle and foot than a regular knitted sock.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
Aspects hereof relate to protective gear that is comfortable and supportive. The protective gear is a knitted or woven sleeve with impact-dampening pads of different shapes and sizes placed in strategic areas of the sleeve to provide protection to a foot and ankle area of an athlete's foot. In particular, the impact-dampening pads are placed on areas of the sleeve corresponding to a lower shin portion, a medial and lateral malleolus, and the Achilles tendon of an athlete wearing the protective gear.