Adaptive Garment Ventilation Flaps for Moisture-Triggered Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional garments with mesh-type vents are always in an open configuration, which may be undesirable in certain situations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of adaptive ventilation textiles with flaps that transition between closed and open states in response to external stimuli, such as moisture or heat, using bi-component filaments that change length in the presence of stimuli, allowing for increased airflow when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mesh-type material is used to form vents in traditional garments, then breathability and permeability are improved, but the vents remain always open which may be undesirable in certain situations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebreathabilityVSAvoidvent configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vent configuration changeable rather than fixed. The flaps are designed to dynamically transition between closed and open states in response to external stimuli such as moisture, heat, or pressure. This allows the garment to adapt its ventilation level based on environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining breathability and enabling adaptability to different situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing materials and mechanisms that respond to changes in physical parameters. The flaps incorporate stimuli-responsive materials that change their state based on moisture content, temperature, or mechanical pressure. This enables the vent configuration to automatically adjust according to environmental conditions, simultaneously achieving breathability when needed and closure when protection is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If flaps are designed to transition between closed and open states in response to external stimuli, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation adaptabilityVSAvoidtextile structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing flaps that automatically respond to external stimuli without requiring external control systems. The stimuli-responsive materials inherently trigger the transition between closed and open states based on environmental conditions such as moisture or heat. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators, sensors, or control mechanisms, thereby achieving high adaptability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages parameter changes by using materials that undergo physical or chemical transformations in response to environmental parameters. The flaps incorporate materials that change their physical state or dimensional properties when exposed to moisture, heat, or pressure, enabling automatic ventilation adjustment. This approach achieves adaptability through material science rather than mechanical complexity, keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The adaptive ventilation textiles provide reversible changes in permeability, enhancing comfort by adjusting airflow based on environmental or bodily conditions, while maintaining closure in undesirable conditions like rain.

Implementation Method 1

bi-component filaments that change length in the presence of stimuli

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulus-responsive polymer expansion/contraction: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12599187B2Article with adaptive ventilation
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 NIKE INC
  • US12599187B2 patent drawing
  • US12599187B2 patent drawing
  • US12599187B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects herein are directed to articles with adaptive ventilation. The article has one or more flaps that open and close in response to the presence or absence of an external stimulus such as, for example, moisture. The one or more flaps remain closed in the absence of the external stimulus and open in the presence of the external stimulus thereby increasing or decreasing ventilation between an interior cavity of the garment and an external environment.