Segmented Finger Guard Rings for Goalkeeper Glove Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger protection solutions for goalkeeper gloves, such as stiffening strips and gussets, fail to effectively prevent overstretching of the thumb and little finger when a ball is hit with great force.
Innovation Solution
A finger guard comprising two adjustable rings and a connecting material strip, made of tension-stable textile or Velcro, that can be adapted to fit different finger sizes and hand dimensions, providing additional support and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stiffening strips are integrated into goalkeeper gloves, then finger protection is improved, but the ability to prevent overextension under high force impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The finger protection device is divided into separate rings that can be individually positioned on different fingers (thumb, index, middle, ring, or little finger). Each ring acts as an independent protective element, allowing targeted reinforcement where overextension risk is highest while maintaining flexibility in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid or semi-rigid ring structures with flexible connecting strips. This composite construction provides structural support to resist overextension forces while the flexible connectors maintain natural finger movement and glove fit.
2Reliability
If finger protection elements are added to goalkeeper gloves, then finger safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same ring design can be applied to multiple finger positions (thumb, index, middle, ring, or little finger) depending on the specific protection needs. The standardized ring and connector design allows for easy configuration across different glove types and protection requirements without designing unique solutions for each finger.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting strips provide dynamic flexibility that adapts to natural finger movement during catching and blocking actions. The rings can move independently within their connectors, allowing the protection device to conform to various hand positions and movements rather than restricting them.
3Reliability
If protective structures are added to prevent overextension, then finger protection is improved, but movement freedom may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strips are made of flexible material that allows natural finger bending and movement while maintaining the structural integrity of the protection device. The flexibility of these thin film connectors ensures that fingers can move freely during normal gameplay while the rings provide overextension prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A finger protector for sports gloves is characterized by two rings (1, 2; 1', 2') wound from a strip of textile material and a strip of material (3) connecting the two rings together made of tensile-resistant textile material.