Development of Ergonomic Leg Guard for Baseball Catchers through 3D Modeling and Printing

Abstract

To develop baseball catcher leg guards, 3-dimensional (3D) methodologies, which are 3D human body data, reverse engineering, modeling, and printing, optimized guard design for representative positions. Optimization was based on analysis of 3D body surface data and subjective evaluation using 3D printing products. Reverse engineering was used for analysis and modeling based on data in three postures: standing, 90° knee flexion, and 120° knee flexion. During knee flexion, vertical skin length increased, with the thigh and knee larger in anterior area compared to the horizontal dimension. Moreover, 120° knee flexion posture had a high radius of curvature in knee movement. Therefore, guard designs were based on increasing rates of skin deformation and numerical values of radius of curvature. Guards were designed with 3-part zoning at the thigh, knee, and shin. Guards 1 and 2 had thigh and knee boundaries allowing vertical skin length deformation because the shape of thigh and knee significantly affects to its performance. Guard 2 was designed with a narrower thigh and wider knee area than guard 1. The guards were manufactured as full-scale products on a 3D printer. Both guards fit better in sitting than standing position, and guard 2 received better evaluations than guard 1. Additional modifications were made and an optimized version (guard 3) was tested. Guard 3 showed the best fit. A design approach based on 3D data effectively determines best fitting leg guards, and 3D printing technology can customize guard design through immediate feedback from a customer.

Is additive manufacturing improving performance in Sports? A systematic review

“…An important finding from this review was the use of 3D scanning within articles to complement the design and optimization of sporting products. Eleven articles (42%) used a 3D scanner to capture personalized human geometry, such as legs for baseball 46 and football (soccer) leg guards, 53 or feet for personalized insoles. 36–40,45 This shows a strong relationship between these digital technologies.…”

“…Combined with 3D scanning, AM provides new cost-effective means for producing athlete-specific products. 36,39,40,46,53,54…”

“…Significance was determined through statistical analysis of empirical data and other qualities described within each article. Several articles did not provide comparisons to existing products (N/A), 46,47 and one article was unable to be accessed through online databases and attempts to directly contact authors. 48 It is important to note that the criteria used to assess performance in each study is different, and making comparisons between different studies is difficult.…”

“…• Opportunities: o Combined with 3D scanning, AM provides new cost-effective means for producing athlete-specific products 36,39,40,46,53,54 o Parametric CAD files allow for almost limitless iterations of a design to suit specific users and conditions 19,41,42,50,51,56,57 o Part consolidation to reduce assembly costs and open new possibilities with multimaterial AM 51,53,54 o Complex geometries that would not be manufacturable using subtractive methods provide new opportunities to improve performance 42,44,55 • Challenges: o Long-term durability of AM materials for sports applications is unclear, with most studies not containing longitudinal analyses, and featuring limited sample sizes 33,35,42,53 o AM is typically a slower process than traditional manufacturing processes 51,54 o Postprocessing can be time-and labor-intensive 52,54 o Many parts produced with AM must still interface with a conventional part to form a product, limiting geometry 49,51 o Optimization software still requires manual intervention and an understanding of design for AM 52,55 o New products produced through AM may not meet sporting regulations 19,44 o Laboratory testing may not translate to real-world conditions 19,34,56…”

Aspek Yang Mempengaruhi Persepsi Mode Fashion Komunitas Urban Dari Sisi Ergonomi

“…Manipulasi gambar yang direalisasikan oleh media, terutama setelah pertengahan 1950-an, tidak lagi memadai mengingat luasnya produk yang membentuk pasar. Menurut (Lee, Eom, & Lee, 2016) dalam masyarakat pasca industri, aspek-aspek yang mencolok dari produk tidak lagi memadai bagi pengguna atau konsumen, menjadi pengalaman dan emosi, kedua aspek yang sangat penting bagi kualitas suatu produk. Mengenai konteks mode, produk pakaian memberikan saluran makna dan identifikasi subyektif tingkat emosional.…”