Segmented Shin Guard Core for Fit and Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and fail to provide a customized fit, leading to reduced mobility and inadequate impact protection.
Innovation Solution
A protective guard comprising a conformable substrate with a central core made of multiple rigid plates connected by hinges, allowing rotational movement, which is embedded or partially embedded within the substrate, providing a customizable fit and enhanced impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single piece of rigid plastic or thick padding is used as a protective guard, then impact protection is provided, but the guard becomes bulky and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The protective guard is divided into multiple rigid plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented into movable sections that can adapt to body contours while maintaining protective strength
Solution Approach 2:
The guard incorporates hinges that enable rotational movement between plates, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic system that can flex and conform to the user's body movements, reducing bulkiness and improving comfort
2Strength
If a single piece rigid plastic guard is used, then impact protection is provided, but a customized fit cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is segmented into multiple plates connected by hinges, allowing each section to be independently positioned to match the contours of the user's body, enabling a customized fit while maintaining protective strength
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections allow the plates to rotate and adjust to different body shapes and sizes, providing adaptability and versatility for customized fitting while preserving the rigid protective function
Data Source
AI summary
A protective guard for reducing injury to a shin of a person includes a conformable substrate and a plurality of core members disposed adjacent to a surface of the conformable substrate. The plurality of core members are arranged such that a first of the core members is rotationally movable about at least one axis relative to a second of the core members. A flexible fabric membrane comprised of natural or synthetic fibers is positioned adjacent to at least one of the conformable substrate and the plurality of core members.