Segmented Knee Pad Structure for Strapless Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knee pads with straps restrict blood flow and are uncomfortable, while pad-integrated trousers suffer from damage and deformation, leading to inadequate protection and increased discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A strapless knee pad design with a detachable protective member comprising interconnected overlapping plates, a flexible backing member, and a cushioned front portion, allowing for adjustable fit and impact distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 and discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknee protectionVSAvoidblood flow and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member is divided into multiple interconnected overlapping plates instead of a single solid structure. This segmentation allows flexibility and adaptability to different knee shapes and sizes while maintaining protective function, and eliminates the need for restrictive straps by allowing the segmented structure to conform and stay in place naturally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnected overlapping plates are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the protective member to dynamically adjust to the user's knee contour and movement. This dynamic structure provides protection without requiring rigid straps that restrict blood flow and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If protective pads are integrated into work trousers to avoid strap restrictions, then comfort and blood flow are improved, but the pockets are easily damaged and trousers must be replaced frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and blood flowVSAvoiddurability of trousers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member is designed as a separate, detachable unit composed of interconnected plates rather than being permanently integrated into the trousers. This allows the protective function to be separated from the garment, preventing damage to the trousers while maintaining comfort benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective member can be detached and replaced independently from the trousers. When the protective member becomes worn or damaged, it can be discarded or replaced without replacing the entire trouser garment, thus recovering the value of the trousers and reducing waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If foam protective pads are used in trousers, then initial protection is provided, but the pads become deformed after washing and drying cycles leading to inadequate protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective functionVSAvoidshape retention after washing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member uses interconnected overlapping plates made from durable materials that maintain their structural integrity and protective properties through repeated washing and drying cycles, unlike foam materials that deform. The composite plate structure provides both protection and shape stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping plate design provides excessive structural reinforcement beyond what a single foam layer would offer, ensuring that the protective member maintains its shape and protective capability even after multiple washing and drying cycles that would deform foam materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If a single solid protective structure is used, then protection is provided, but impact force is concentrated on specific points increasing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member is divided into multiple interconnected overlapping plates that distribute impact forces across multiple contact points and areas, rather than concentrating force on a single solid surface. This segmentation reduces peak pressure points and improves comfort while maintaining overall protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each individual plate in the interconnected structure can be optimized for local protective needs, and the overlapping arrangement ensures that impact forces are distributed to different areas of the knee, providing both localized and overall protection with reduced discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12599185B2Protective knee pad

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ARMADILLO IND LTD

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).