Segmented Knee Pad Structure for Comfort and Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee pads with straps restrict blood flow and are uncomfortable, while strapless designs with unprotected pockets are prone to damage and deformation, offering inadequate protection and increased discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A strapless knee pad design with detachable protective members and elasticated mesh, featuring interchangeable plates and a cushioned structure that distributes impact force and maintains comfort by allowing blood flow, using materials like TPR, TPU, and HDPE for durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knee pads with spaced apart straps are used to protect the knees, then protection is provided, but blood flow is restricted leading to increased discomfort and lower limb disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The knee pad is divided into multiple functional segments: a flexible support structure with multiple attachment points, interchangeable protective members, and a waterproof cover. This segmentation allows the protective function to be separated from the support function, enabling blood flow while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters from rigid straps to a flexible support structure with multiple attachment points, allowing adjustment of pressure distribution. This parameter change enables the knee pad to provide protection without restricting blood flow, as the flexible structure adapts to the knee's contours and movement.
2Ease of operation
If pockets are incorporated into work trousers for protective pads, then strapless comfort is achieved, but the pockets are easily damaged and pads become deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic, interchangeable protective member system that can be detached and replaced. The protective members are secured through fastening means that allow for easy replacement while maintaining secure attachment during use. This dynamic system ensures durability as damaged members can be replaced without replacing the entire knee pad or trousers.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee pad combines multiple materials with different properties: a flexible support structure, interchangeable protective members made of durable materials, and a waterproof cover. This composite construction provides both comfort and durability, protecting against damage while maintaining the strapless design.
3Strength
If a rigid outer shell is used for knee pad protection, then impact protection is improved, but comfort is reduced and blood flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing interchangeable protective members that can be selected based on specific protection needs, combined with a flexible support structure that conforms to the knee's shape. The protective members provide localized impact protection where needed, while the flexible support structure ensures comfort and blood flow throughout the surrounding area.
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
Provides comfortable, adjustable protection that maintains blood flow and distributes impact forces effectively, with interchangeable plates and a waterproof cover, suitable for various work environments and body types.
Implementation Method 1
The backing member may be elasticated. This enables the backing member to flex with an individual's knees which affords greater comfort to an individual wearing the knee pad
Implementation Method 2
a knee pad that ensures that the force of an impact, e.g. as an individual kneels down or shuffles along the floor on his/her knees, is distributed throughout the knee pad so that the impact experienced by the knees is minimised
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective knee pad (1) for workmen, the protective knee pad comprising a knee support (100) and a protective member (200), said knee support comprising a front portion (10) and a rear portion (20), wherein the knee support is adapted to be wrapped around a user's knee and the protective member comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping plates (40).