Spring Absorption Shin Guard

I know you have most likely watched a game of soccer, as it is the most watched sport worldwide. One of the requirements for soccer is to wear protective gear. This is not wearing pads like football, but the only protection is shin guards. Shin guards protect the players by distributing the force of impact across a larger area, reducing the risk of fractures, bruises, and other serious injuries. Shin guards vary in size, shape, and material. My objective is to have a spring impact on the face of the shin guard. This will result in less impact than an average shin guard.

1. 3D Modeling software(Autodesk)
2. Access to a computer
3. 3D printer
4. Miniature spring (varies in size)
5. Paint (optional)
6. Sewing tape for measurements.
7. hot melt / hot glue

The first step in designing the shin guard is finding an appropriate length and shape. Shin guards come in all different sizes and shapes, but this design has about a 5.5-inch height and a 3-inch width. The size varies from person to person, but using a Sewing tape can help because of its flexibility. The next part of finding your shape is the arch of the shape of your shin. Shins are not flat, so the curve of your shin might be different. Make sure that the height and width line up and make a comfortable arch shape.

Designing the project is the first step in making it come to life. Use the dimensions you have found to create a shape similar to your sketch.

1. First, create an approximate shape of what you want the shin guard to look like from a front view, then you can extrude and cut from the top of your shape to create the kind of arch you want.
2. Then, create a plane on the front side and extrude, cut the zone of impact into the shinguard, create an outline of the hole, and extrude the 2nd body out of the part to create a new body.
3. Next, create a hole to hold the springs, then extrude both ways as far as possible to create divots for the springs.
4. (Optional) Put any design engraved/ cut out on the front to make the shin guards custom.
5. Lastly, using Fusion 360 or SolidWorks, save as STL and send to a 3D printer, leading to the next step...

Now you should have a shin guard that fits snug around your shin. The final step in the construction process is to add your springs. The springs will go in the small holes to hold them in place. The holes should correspond to your two separate pieces. Then apply the springs with hot glue into the small holes.

Congrats, you should have a game-legal shin guard that will reduce injury chance, with a cool stylish look and a protective design.