Segmented Shin Guard with Ventilated Central Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shin protection gear for cyclists, particularly in mountain biking, fails to provide adequate heat dissipation and comfort due to its design, which leads to increased perspiration and discomfort during pedaling and potential exposure in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped shin protection element with a padded interior lining in the lower and upper sections and a ventilated central section, made of transparent polyethylene material, featuring frontal ventilation openings and adjustable straps for secure fit, along with an articulated knee extension for improved comfort and ventilation, and a modular design for the shin guard, knee pad, and sleeve system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective body is fully covered with padded lining, then protection and comfort are improved, but heat dissipation and perspiration are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The padded lining is segmented into two separate sections: a first padded section in the lower section and a second padded section in the upper section, leaving the central section without padding. This segmentation allows the protective body to provide protection at the ends while enabling heat dissipation and perspiration in the central section where the skin contacts the protective body directly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective body are given different properties: the lower and upper sections have padded lining for protection and comfort, while the central section has no padding to allow direct skin contact for heat dissipation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and thermal management.
2Reliability
If traditional three-strip anchor attachment is used, then the protection set is secured to the leg, but the knee pad is forced to move with respect to the knee during pedaling
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is made dynamic by providing articulation between the shin guard and knee pad, allowing the knee pad to move independently with the knee joint during pedaling motion. This dynamic connection maintains security while accommodating natural leg movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection set is segmented into separate articulated components (shin guard and knee pad) connected by a hinge joint, rather than a rigid unified structure. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component to match natural leg anatomy and pedaling motion.
3Reliability
If the protective body is made opaque for better protection appearance, then aesthetic coverage is improved, but visibility and heat dissipation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective body material is changed from opaque to transparent or translucent, allowing visual perception while maintaining protective function. This transparency enables heat dissipation and perspiration visibility in the central section while still providing the appearance of coverage.
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
Enhances comfort and heat dissipation by reducing skin contact and perspiration, while providing secure attachment during pedaling and preventing exposure in falls through adjustable straps and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
the front part of the shin has an air chamber located in front, which can be ventilated efficiently because it faces the air streams
Implementation Method 2
A desirable feature in this type of protection is its ability to provide adequate heat dissipation. The aforementioned sports involve a high level of perspiration
Data Source
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AI summary
Protection element (1) for the shin (2), comprising a protective body (3) having a C-shaped cross section, a lower section (31) close to the ankle being defined, a central section (33) facing the shin and an upper section (32) destined to be placed below the knee, the protective body (3) being provided with a padded interior lining (41, 42) on the interior surface of the protective body (3) formed by a first lining section (41) arranged in the lower section (31) and a second lining section (42) arranged in the upper section (32), the central section (33) being devoid of interior lining, such that the protective body (3) rests on the shin only in said lower section (31) and in said upper section (32). The invention relates to a protection set for cyclists too.