Stretchable Strap With Confined Padding For Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional straps in protective sport garments provide little impact protection and are not adjustable, making the strap location a vulnerable point for players.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable strap with first and second layers defining a hollow space containing padding elements, allowing adjustability by moving between different lengths and providing impact protection, with one end affixed permanently and the other detachably affixed to offer better protection and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional fabric straps are used for securing protective sport garments, then the straps are simple and flexible, but they provide little impact protection and create vulnerable points on the player's body
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials: an inner layer with impact-absorbing material (foam, gel, or air pocket), a middle stretchable layer (elastic material), and an outer fabric layer. This composite design provides impact protection while maintaining flexibility and comfort, resolving the contradiction between protection and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact-absorbing material is nested within the strap structure, specifically placed in the inner layer between the stretchable layer and the outer fabric layer. This nesting approach integrates protection functionality into the existing strap form without significantly increasing external complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length straps are used for securing protective sport garments, then the strap structure is simple, but the garment parts cannot be adjusted on the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The strap incorporates a stretchable middle layer made of elastic material that allows the strap to dynamically change length. This dynamic property enables adjustment of the distance between garment parts to fit different body sizes and shapes, while the elastic nature maintains structural integrity without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If padding elements are added to the strap for impact protection, then impact protection is improved, but the strap becomes less stretchable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The impact-absorbing material is confined to the inner layer of the strap, creating local protection zones where impact forces are most likely to occur. The middle stretchable layer remains free of padding, preserving its elastic properties and stretchability. This localized approach provides protection without compromising overall strap flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap uses a composite structure with three distinct layers: an inner layer with impact-absorbing material, a middle stretchable elastic layer, and an outer fabric layer. This composite design allows each layer to perform its specific function - protection, stretchability, and durability - without interfering with the others, resolving the contradiction between protection and flexibility.
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 strap offers enhanced impact protection and adjustability, conforming to the wearer's body while allowing secure attachment of garment parts, reducing vulnerability at the strap location.
Implementation Method 1
first and second layers made of stretchable material
Implementation Method 2
a padding element confined in the hollow space for offering impact protection to the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A strap for a protective sport garment wearable by a wearer, the garment comprising at least first and second parts separated by a space. The strap has first and second layers made of stretchable material a padding element confined therein for offering impact protection. The strap also has a first end portion affixed to one of the first and second parts and a second end portion detachably affixed at a selected location on the other one of the first and second parts. In use, the strap is movable between first and second lengths for allowing the second end portion of the strap to be affixed at the selected location for allowing adjustability of the first and second parts.