Adjustable Vent System for Garment Panel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing activewear and outerwear garments often fail to provide adequate ventilation, leading to overheating in warm weather and lack versatility in terms of integrated features that allow wearers to alter their appearance or performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A garment with a cinchable or adjustable vent system that allows airflow to be controlled by adjusting the tension of cords passing through fasteners, enabling the vent to be opened or closed to regulate ventilation and adjust the garment's length, thereby enhancing versatility and comfort across varying weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the garment is adequately weatherproofed and insulated for wet, windy, and cold weather, then protection from adverse weather is improved, but ventilation is reduced causing overheating in warm weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the garment's ventilation characteristics adjustable through movable panels and openings. The rear panel can be shifted between positions to expose or cover rear openings, and side panels can be moved to adjust side openings. This dynamic adjustment allows the garment to transition from a sealed weatherproof state to a ventilated state, resolving the contradiction between maintaining weatherproofing reliability and providing adaptability for ventilation control.
2Ease of manufacture
If the garment has fixed design features, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility in altering appearance and performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the garment into distinct movable panels (rear panel, side panels) that can be independently adjusted. Each panel can be shifted to different positions to expose or cover openings, allowing the garment to offer multiple configurations. This segmentation enables versatility in appearance and performance adjustment while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as each panel operates independently with its own adjustment mechanism.
3Temperature
If the garment provides maximum insulation for cold weather, then thermal protection is improved, but breathability and moisture management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between thermal insulation and breathability by implementing dynamic panel adjustments. When maximum insulation is needed, the panels can be positioned to close openings, creating a sealed environment. When breathability is required, the panels can be shifted to expose openings, allowing air and moisture vapor to pass through. This dynamic capability allows the same garment to provide both maximum insulation and adequate breathability depending on environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Example of a garment, such as a jacket, pullover, hoodie, hat, or the like, having a cinchable or adjustable opening between panels is provided. When cinched, the inner panel's functionality is reduced or concealed. When uncinched, the inner panel's functionality is increased or exposed.