Shin Guard Sock Engagement via Polymeric Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shin guards often shift or move out of position relative to the wearer's leg during use, necessitating additional securing methods like straps or sleeves to maintain proper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A shin guard design featuring a protective shell with a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, equipped with a polymeric texture of protrusions that extend up to 5 mm and have a Shore A hardness of 20 A to 60 A, which engages with the wearer's sock to inhibit motion and reduce the need for ancillary holding means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shin guards are used with straps or sleeves to secure positioning, then the shin guard can be held in position, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securing function from separate ancillary components (straps, sleeves) and integrates it directly into the shin guard body through the polymeric protrusions on the outer surface. These protrusions engage with the sock material to provide securing action without requiring additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective function and the securing function into a single integrated device. The polymeric protrusions are formed as part of the shin guard shell structure, merging the shell's protective role with the texture's securing role, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If polymeric protrusions are added to the outer surface to engage with sock, then the positioning stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the polymeric protrusions including height (0.5mm to 5mm), Shore A hardness (20A to 60A), and spacing (2mm to 10mm). These parameter definitions enable standardized manufacturing processes while achieving the desired engagement with sock material without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the polymeric protrusions only to the outer surface of the shin guard shell where engagement with the sock is needed, rather than modifying the entire guard structure. This localized application maintains simplicity in other areas while providing the necessary securing function at the interface with the sock.
3Reliability
If the protrusions extend further from the surface to increase grip, then the textile holding effect improves, but the safety risk increases due to potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges that balance grip strength and safety: protrusion height of 0.5mm to 5mm and Shore A hardness of 20A to 60A. These parameters ensure sufficient engagement with the sock material while maintaining rounded contours and controlled dimensions that prevent the protrusions from becoming hazardous to other players.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the polymeric material forming the protrusions has different properties than the shell material, with the polymeric material being more compliant and having rounded contours. This local differentiation provides enhanced grip where needed while maintaining safety through the material's compliance and shape.
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
The design effectively maintains the shin guard's position relative to the sock, minimizing the reliance on additional securing methods while ensuring safety and preventing injury by providing sufficient grip and compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of protrusions are configured to engage with a textile, such as a sock, worn over the outer surface to inhibit motion of the textile relative to the guard
Implementation Method 2
each have a hardness measured on the Shore A scale of from about 20 A to about 60 A
Data Source
AI summary
A shin guard includes a protective shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, a cushioning element abutting the inner surface, and a polymeric texture provided on the outer surface to inhibit the motion of an overlaid textile relative to the protective shell.