Segmented Knee Pad with Variable Gap Carrying Dish
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body part pads, such as knee pads, are either comfortable in unloaded use but uncomfortable in loaded use, or vice versa, failing to provide proper pressure distribution and comfort in both scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A body part pad with a flexible carrying dish that is bendable in two directions, allowing it to conform to double curved body parts by varying the distance between adjacent segment parts, thereby distributing external forces evenly and reducing peak loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If external knee pads are made larger and heavier to provide better protection in kneeling position, then pressure distribution improves, but comfort in extended leg position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into multiple segments including a front segment, rear segment, and side segments that can move independently. This segmentation allows the pad to adapt its shape - spreading out to provide large surface area for pressure distribution during kneeling, while allowing segments to fold or move closer during extended position for reduced bulk and improved comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad incorporates dynamic elements including movable side segments connected via hinges, elastic bands for tension control, and adjustable straps that allow the structure to transition between extended and kneeling configurations. The side segments can pivot to increase or decrease the overall width of the pad based on the leg position
2Ease of operation
If internal knee pads are made more compact and lighter to improve comfort in unloaded use, then adaptability improves, but pressure distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad uses segmented construction with front, rear, and side segments that can deploy outward when needed. During unloaded use, the segments remain compact for comfort, but can expand to provide sufficient surface area for pressure distribution during kneeling by pivoting at hinge points
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad changes its effective surface area parameter dynamically - maintaining a compact form factor during walking and sitting for comfort, while expanding to a larger protective surface area during kneeling through the action of elastic bands and movable segments
3Stress or pressure
If foam cushion thickness is increased to improve pressure distribution, then protection improves, but adaptability to double curved body parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple foam segments separated by gaps, allowing each segment to independently conform to the contours of double curved body parts like the knee. The segments can move relative to each other via hinges and elastic connections, maintaining pressure distribution through distributed contact points while adapting to complex body geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad uses flexible foam segments with sufficient thickness for pressure distribution, connected by flexible hinges and elastic bands. This creates a structure that is both cushioning and highly adaptable, allowing the segments to bend and conform to the double curved surface of the knee while maintaining adequate thickness for protection
Data Source
AI summary
Body part pad for protecting a double curved body part from external load. The body part pad comprises a flexible carrying dish which in a first bending direction is bendable about a first bending axis and which in a second bending direction is bendable about a second bending axis. The carrying dish comprises a multiplicity of segments of which adjacent segment parts are disposed with an intermediate distance. The intermediate distance of adjacent segment parts is variable upon bending of the carrying dish at least in the second bending direction, so that, in use, a force that is exerted by the body part on the carrying dish and the opposed forces that are exerted on the carrying dish result in curvature of the carrying dish around the first and second bending axis to a curvature corresponding more with the body part to be protected.