I remember this project from a while ago! 34 updates in 8 months is amazing. From a goalie that is very tired of reduced vision: your work is invaluable and I look forward to buying this when it's ready. That's the good part; since goalies are willing to shell out $$$ for custom pads, paintjobs, etc, you should have no issue making a return on this.
This has been interesting to follow since I just found this on YouTube. My immediate reaction to this version is I don’t like it as much. Looks too similar to a regular hockey cage and I think goalies/players are drawn to the uniqueness of goalie cages. It also appears to counteract your end goal of increasing visibility. My next reaction was “tennis racquet.” It has the same design, so….having said that, maybe that is something to look into? Is their strength built around that woven design? Additionally, racquet strings are wrapped around the outside of the racquet. Maybe looking into that design will give you some answers or additional ideas? Anyway, just ideas for thought…
Very cool concept you have been designing and I wish you the best of luck!
Wow this design look great! Now it feel like a even better improvement by far. The crossbar made the design like a half improvement. This look like the real deal!
Functionally, removing the bar would cause there to be flatter planes for the rope cage. I don't know how this would affect visibility or comfort but I could see it being an issue. At the very least it would be less aesthetic. By positioning the ropes on an angled anchor (and positioning those anchors relative to the field of vision) you might be able to overcome that problem should it arise. I'm looking at this as a designer, not an engineer so I don't know how that would change the product's integrity.
I think you should start using metal 3D printing. Not for the full frame as it would be stupid expensive, but for at least the left and right side (vertical part). Then you could insert the metal tube inside that part and use brazing or JB weld to lock it in place. You could also use that same method for other more complex part of the mask. Look at PCBway, they can print in titanium and stainless steel. You could use fiber glass reinforced nylon for the early prototyping then shift to metal when design is more refined.
Reading this article I would consider releasing a model that requires refurbishment. For professionals the advantage of weight and visibility might be worth paying for. Even if you have to send it in for rope replacement every 5 games or similar.
Spent the past week reading through this whole blog. Was really great to go through, and I really appreciate seeing the design process being so thoroughly documented here.
I will admit, I actually started with this latest update, and then went back to read the rest of the blog. Tough to see how much work you put in to try and keep the crossbar, knowing you'd eventually ditch it. Honestly though, I think this seems like a better direction. While intriguing, you're previous prototypes didn't pass the eye test for me. They looked too over designed, and even if you got a successful version I couldn't see how you'd be able to clean up the look without introducing a whole load of new issues.
This new version already feels like something more practical. And even with this straight cage setup, I would imagine with the Dyneema Thread being so much thinner than the metal cage, you're going to be getting improved vision benefits. I have to think you'll be able to create many different "cage" layouts as well with this kind of setup (a "cheater cage" with this seems very do-able).
I hope you're able to keep at it. As a goalie, this has been a fascinating journey and can't wait to see where it goes.
I remember this project from a while ago! 34 updates in 8 months is amazing. From a goalie that is very tired of reduced vision: your work is invaluable and I look forward to buying this when it's ready. That's the good part; since goalies are willing to shell out $$$ for custom pads, paintjobs, etc, you should have no issue making a return on this.
Love to see progress! Looks good. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
This has been interesting to follow since I just found this on YouTube. My immediate reaction to this version is I don’t like it as much. Looks too similar to a regular hockey cage and I think goalies/players are drawn to the uniqueness of goalie cages. It also appears to counteract your end goal of increasing visibility. My next reaction was “tennis racquet.” It has the same design, so….having said that, maybe that is something to look into? Is their strength built around that woven design? Additionally, racquet strings are wrapped around the outside of the racquet. Maybe looking into that design will give you some answers or additional ideas? Anyway, just ideas for thought…
Very cool concept you have been designing and I wish you the best of luck!
Sincerely, Tom Sampair
Wow this design look great! Now it feel like a even better improvement by far. The crossbar made the design like a half improvement. This look like the real deal!
Functionally, removing the bar would cause there to be flatter planes for the rope cage. I don't know how this would affect visibility or comfort but I could see it being an issue. At the very least it would be less aesthetic. By positioning the ropes on an angled anchor (and positioning those anchors relative to the field of vision) you might be able to overcome that problem should it arise. I'm looking at this as a designer, not an engineer so I don't know how that would change the product's integrity.
I think you should start using metal 3D printing. Not for the full frame as it would be stupid expensive, but for at least the left and right side (vertical part). Then you could insert the metal tube inside that part and use brazing or JB weld to lock it in place. You could also use that same method for other more complex part of the mask. Look at PCBway, they can print in titanium and stainless steel. You could use fiber glass reinforced nylon for the early prototyping then shift to metal when design is more refined.
Reading this article I would consider releasing a model that requires refurbishment. For professionals the advantage of weight and visibility might be worth paying for. Even if you have to send it in for rope replacement every 5 games or similar.
Spent the past week reading through this whole blog. Was really great to go through, and I really appreciate seeing the design process being so thoroughly documented here.
I will admit, I actually started with this latest update, and then went back to read the rest of the blog. Tough to see how much work you put in to try and keep the crossbar, knowing you'd eventually ditch it. Honestly though, I think this seems like a better direction. While intriguing, you're previous prototypes didn't pass the eye test for me. They looked too over designed, and even if you got a successful version I couldn't see how you'd be able to clean up the look without introducing a whole load of new issues.
This new version already feels like something more practical. And even with this straight cage setup, I would imagine with the Dyneema Thread being so much thinner than the metal cage, you're going to be getting improved vision benefits. I have to think you'll be able to create many different "cage" layouts as well with this kind of setup (a "cheater cage" with this seems very do-able).
I hope you're able to keep at it. As a goalie, this has been a fascinating journey and can't wait to see where it goes.
I’m sure there would be interest from the cricket playing community as well.
Kind of sad to see the tensegrity aspect of the design go, but it makes sense.
seems like you are onto something! have you even considered varying the density of the ropes? maybe a diagonal pattern denser lower?