DESIGN NAME: Triotect
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Protection Patch
INSPIRATION: While I was on the quest of finding a topic for my graduation project, I started roller-skating with my friends during my free time. I witnessed first-hand how performers fall and get bruises and how they are not able to sit normally for days because of the harm caused by these falls. Curiosity got the best of me, so I started researching this specific topic, only to find out that bruises barely scratch the top of the issue. I found that some figure skaters were subjected to suffering from different types of injuries at a young age, from bruises, to fractures, and even permanent disabilities. Upon searching for gears and protection methods, I noticed that the available safety gears in the market are not suitable for pro-athletes due to the figure skating competition restrictions.
With all the advancements we have in technology nowadays, the available protection methods could not actually be used by figure skaters due to their bulkiness and movement limitations. This sparked my anger and worry. I felt frustrated and could not help but wonder how we reached this point of development in science and technology, yet still not have any suitable protective gear for them. I hence decided to dedicate my time and effort, and pursue finding a way to create a product that protects figure skaters from harm’s way by minimizing injuries, as well as being able to be used during their competitions and not only trainings.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Triotect are flexible, reuasable, shock absorbent body patches with unprecedented features in lightweight protection gear. These unique characteristics include being lightweight, invisible under clothes, and withstanding a force of 27KN without harming the user. As a result, the patches were found to be of significant value to a wide range of audience. Customizability, skin sensitivity, breathability, wear and tear alongside reusability and shape were taken into consideration during designing.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This patch protects from forces up to 27KN. For example, if you fall from the first floor, nothing will happen to the specific body part that has the patch on, not even a small bruise. To apply the patch, clean your skin and spray the attaching spray to the part you wish to put the patch on. Next, place the patch and wait 30 seconds for it to stick. To remove, spray over it with the removing spray. After removal, fold the patch and return it to the original package for future use.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey and finished in May 2021 in Cairo, Egypt. It was exhibited in the industrial product design day in Istanbul in June 2021.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Regarding the physical design, back and forth consultations with a physicist were carried out to determine the optimal shape that would result in the highest force withstanding. Multiple shapes were tested according to their physical properties, and functionalities. Research in general patch shapes was also carried out.
For materials, foam and sportswear fabric were part of the process. Due to the NDA agreement, I cannot reveal the exact name of the material used.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The thickness of the patches is 2mm and its size is customized according to the users' size.
TAGS: Safety, Protective, Light Weight, Flexible, Breathable, Sustainable, Zero wastes, Waterproof, Durable, Portable
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: My work is mixed research aimed at learning about skater injuries and needs, and creating suitable safety gears for them. Information was gathered by interviewing skaters, coaches, and physical therapists, plus reading academic papers and reviewing market products pros and cons. The final product saw many testing trips to inspect its usability and get feedback. Approval of physicists, physical therapists, coaches, and athletes assured the validity of the patch and saw promising real-life uses.
CHALLENGE: Dress code state that nothing be visible under clothes, causing tricky size. No extra weight, limiting movement, and material limitations like physical properties changing with conditions almost blocked the project. Designing the shape for more protection, shielding from friction, and body hair and skin irritation, reusing the patch, and zero waste, were solved by adding protective patch coats and fabric, attachment and removal spray, and reusing cut-out parts as patches for other body parts.
ADDED DATE: 2021-11-28 16:55:39
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Mohamed Sherif Hassan Mohamed Sedky Moharam, Triotect, 2021.
Image #2: Photographer Mohamed Sherif Hassan Mohamed Sedky Moharam, Triotect, 2021.
Image #3: Photographer Mohamed Sherif Hassan Mohamed Sedky Moharam, Triotect, 2021.
Image #4: Photographer Mohamed Sherif Hassan Mohamed Sedky Moharam, Triotect, 2021.
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