Adaptive Garment Lace Control for Automatic Support Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparel, such as bras and tights, often lack adaptability to changing activity levels, requiring manual adjustments or multiple garments for different activities, which can compromise comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of activity sensors like IMUs and GPS with a control circuit that communicates with adaptive support garments, using mechanisms like air damper, power harvesting, and rotary damper systems to automatically adjust support levels based on detected activity levels, ensuring all-day comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments or multiple garments are used for different activities, then adaptability to changing activity levels is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through automated tensioning mechanisms that respond to motion sensors. The apparel transitions from static to dynamic support levels based on detected activity, eliminating manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability across different exercise intensities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service automation where motion sensors detect activity levels and automatically trigger tensioning mechanisms to adjust support. This eliminates the need for user intervention, allowing the apparel to self-adjust to changing activity levels throughout the day
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated adjustment mechanisms with motion sensors are integrated, then adaptability to dynamic conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated control systems where motion sensors, control circuits, and tensioning mechanisms are combined into unified automated adjustment systems. This consolidation manages complexity by coordinating multiple components through centralized control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The automated adjustment system serves multiple functions: detecting motion, determining activity level, controlling tension, and providing adaptive support. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive adaptability across various exercise conditions
3Ease of operation
If a single garment is used for all activities, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different activity levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single garment incorporates dynamic tensioning capabilities that automatically adjust support levels based on detected activity. This allows one garment to provide appropriate support for both low-intensity daily wear and high-intensity exercise without requiring multiple specialized pieces
4Reliability
If maximum support is provided for strenuous exercise, then functionality during high-impact activities is improved, but comfort during resting periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel dynamically transitions between maximum support and maximum comfort states based on detected activity level. During strenuous exercise, maximum support is engaged; during resting periods, the system automatically reduces tension to provide maximum comfort, eliminating the need to choose between the two extremes
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for use within an adaptive support garment is discussed herein. The control system can include a lace spool, a ratchet mechanism, an actuator, and a control circuit. The lace spool can include a lace groove adapted to accumulate a portion of a lace cable coupled to a support structure within the adaptive support garment. The ratchet mechanism can be configured to control rotation of the lace spool during operation of the control system. The actuator can be adapted to control engagement of the ratchet mechanism. The control circuit electrically can be coupled to the actuator and can be configured to operate the actuator to engage or disengage the ratchet mechanism. In operation, rotation of the lace spool controls an effective length of the lace cable to provide adaptive support.