Layered Segmented Sports Padding for Joint Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective equipment for contact sports lacks adequate protection in areas covered by intervening elastic material, leading to gaps in coverage and vulnerability to impacts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a padding element that overlays a flexible connecting means joining first and second protective elements, allowing the first element to reversibly move between positions while providing continuous protection through a floating or partially fixed padding layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional protective equipment uses rigid foam panels connected by elastic material, then flexibility of movement is improved, but protection coverage deteriorates due to gaps in intervening areas
Solution Approach 1:
The protective equipment is divided into multiple protective elements (first protective element, second protective element) connected by a flexible connecting means, with additional padding elements positioned in intervening areas. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection without compromising flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective equipment have different properties: rigid protective elements provide impact protection in high-risk areas, while flexible connecting means provide flexibility in joint areas. The invention adds padding elements specifically in previously unprotected intervening areas, creating local quality enhancement without affecting the flexibility of connecting regions.
2Reliability
If foam padding is used in intervening areas to improve protection, then protection coverage is improved, but flexibility of movement deteriorates due to restricted stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies padding elements with specific properties (such as elastic or stretchable materials) in intervening areas, where these materials provide protection while maintaining the ability to stretch and flex. This local quality approach ensures that protection is enhanced precisely where needed without compromising the flexibility required for movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding elements in intervening areas use materials with different physical parameters compared to rigid foam - specifically elastic or stretchable materials that can change shape and size dynamically. This parameter change allows the padding to provide protection while adapting to body movements and joint flexion.
3Reliability
If additional padding is added to cover intervening areas, then protection coverage is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective equipment is segmented into protective elements and separate padding elements that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows for optimized placement of padding only in necessary intervening areas, avoiding unnecessary bulk in regions where protection is already provided by rigid protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies padding elements partially in intervening areas rather than covering the entire surface uniformly. The padding is strategically positioned to cover only the vulnerable gaps between protective elements, providing adequate protection with minimal additional bulk and complexity.
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
Reduces gaps in protection and minimizes bulk by allowing flexibility of movement while enhancing impact resistance in jointed areas.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible connecting means permitting the first protective element to reversibly move from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
Protective equipment for providing impact protection to a wearer is provided. The protective equipment has protective elements connected together by a flexible connecting means, and a padding element that overlaps the flexible connecting means. This configuration increases the level of protection against impact by providing padding in areas associated with the connecting means, while still allowing for flexibility of movement but minimizing the overall bulk of the padding of the equipment. It may be used by a variety of users, including those playing contact sports, such as hockey, football, lacrosse, and the like.