3D Garment Rendering Tool for Laser-Finished Apparel Design Preview

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Solution Overview

Problem

The apparel industry faces challenges in producing jeans with desired wear patterns, as traditional methods are resource-intensive, time-consuming, and environmentally costly, requiring significant water and chemical usage.

Innovation Solution

A software and laser-based system that allows users to create, preview, and apply wear patterns on jeans, enabling real-time modifications and simulations of designs before laser finishing, reducing the need for extensive water and chemical usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional water and chemical-based finishing methods are used, then wear patterns can be achieved on jeans, but environmental impact and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear pattern qualityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional water-based chemical finishing methods with laser technology. The laser system uses optical energy to create wear patterns through controlled ablation and thermal effects, eliminating the need for water, chemicals, and extensive washing processes while maintaining or improving wear pattern quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental processing parameters from chemical concentration and water volume to laser power, pulse duration, scanning speed, and wavelength. This parameter transformation enables precise control of wear pattern characteristics while dramatically reducing environmental impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional multi-step finishing processes are used, then wear patterns can be produced, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear pattern detailVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements digital pre-visualization software that allows designers to create and approve wear patterns virtually before laser processing. This preliminary digital action eliminates iterative physical sampling and adjustment time, as the laser can directly execute the pre-approved digital design with high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser finishing process operates continuously without the interruptions required by traditional methods (dipping, washing, drying, inspecting, re-working). The laser beam continuously scans and creates wear patterns in a single uninterrupted process, dramatically reducing total processing time while maintaining detail quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional finishing methods are used, then wear patterns can be created, but processing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear pattern consistencyVSAvoidprocessing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copies of wear pattern designs that can be stored, reproduced, and modified without additional material costs. The laser system precisely replicates the digital pattern onto each garment, ensuring consistency while eliminating costs associated with physical pattern templates, chemical batches, and water consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The laser system serves multiple functions: it creates wear patterns, distressing effects, and design elements with a single device. The software platform also handles design creation, preview, and production control universally, eliminating the need for separate equipment and processes for each finishing operation, thereby reducing overall processing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach reduces environmental impact, processing time, and costs while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional finishing techniques, allowing for efficient production of jeans with customized wear patterns.

Implementation Method 1

A laser is used to remove indigo dye from denim fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12035774B2Tool with 3D garment rendering and preview

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 STRAUSS LEVI & CO

AI summary

A tool allows a user to create new designs for apparel and preview these designs in three dimensions before manufacture. Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. Based on a laser input file with a pattern, a laser will burn the pattern onto apparel. With the tool, the user will be able to create, make changes, and view images of a design, in real time, before burning by a laser. Input to the tool includes fabric template images, laser input files, and damage input. The tool allows adding of tinting and adjusting of intensity and bright point. The user can also move, rotate, scale, and warp the image input.