Aerodynamic Garment with Localized Surface Roughness for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerodynamic garments for athletes require multiple fabrics with different surface roughnesses to optimize drag reduction, leading to increased production costs and potential decreases in comfort and performance due to the selection of fabrics based solely on drag coefficients, neglecting other desirable characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Aerodynamic garments are designed using a single type of fabric with selectively applied surface roughness textures at specific locations to optimize aerodynamic performance, allowing for the selection of fabrics based on comfort and other properties, and applying textures to minimize drag at seams and other critical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fabrics with different surface roughnesses are used to optimize drag reduction, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but production costs increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface roughness treatments to different zones of the garment based on local aerodynamic requirements. High roughness is applied to areas requiring flow transition, while low roughness is applied to areas requiring flow attachment, all on a single fabric substrate. This resolves the contradiction by achieving differentiated aerodynamic performance without using multiple fabric types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining a single fabric substrate with multiple surface roughness treatments applied to different zones. This composite approach allows optimization of aerodynamic properties across different garment areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified base material.
2Reliability
If multiple fabrics with different surface roughnesses are used to optimize drag reduction, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality differentiation through surface treatment rather than fabric selection. By applying varying roughness levels to specific garment zones on a single fabric type, the solution achieves optimized aerodynamic performance while avoiding the costs associated with sourcing, inventory management, and sewing together multiple fabric types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface roughness parameter of a single fabric through different treatments (flocking, brushing, chemical treatment) applied to different zones. This parameter modification approach achieves the aerodynamic benefits of multiple fabrics without the associated production cost increases.
3Reliability
If fabrics are selected based solely on drag coefficients, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but comfort and other performance characteristics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates aerodynamic optimization from comfort considerations by applying surface roughness treatments locally rather than selecting fabrics globally for aerodynamic properties. This allows the base fabric to be chosen for comfort characteristics (breathability, stretch, moisture management) while aerodynamic performance is optimized through localized surface treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the aerodynamic optimization function from the comfort function. The fabric selection is driven by comfort requirements, while aerodynamic performance is achieved through segmented surface treatments applied to specific zones. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing independent optimization of both comfort and aerodynamics.
4Reliability
If multiple fabrics with different surface roughnesses are used to optimize drag reduction, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the number of fabric types and production steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves aerodynamic optimization through local surface treatments on a single fabric type, eliminating the need to source, store, and manage multiple fabric inventories. This local differentiation approach streamlines production by reducing material variety while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple aerodynamic functions into a single fabric substrate by applying different surface treatments to different zones. This consolidation reduces the number of production steps compared to assembling multiple fabric pieces, improving productivity while maintaining aerodynamic optimization.
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 solution enables cost-effective, comfortable, and effective drag reduction in athletic garments by optimizing aerodynamic properties without compromising comfort, thermodynamics, or other performance characteristics, while allowing for the use of fabrics with advantageous moisture management and esthetic properties.
Implementation Method 1
Drag is produced when a fluid, such as air, flows around an object, forming eddies. The textured surface applied to the garment modifies air flow patterns to reduce the drag on the athlete.
Implementation Method 2
The textured surface applied to the garment at key locations optimizes air flow around the athlete by controlling the boundary layer behavior, delaying flow separation and reducing wake turbulence.
Data Source
AI summary
Drag-reducing exercise equipment in the form of a aerodynamic garment may comprise zones with applied textures. Each zone may be associated with properties and characteristics based on the movement of the garment associated with each zone through air during an athletic activity. The texture in each zone may be applied using a variety of methods such as printing. The resulting aerodynamic garment improves the performance of an athlete wearing the aerodynamic garment by reducing the aerodynamic drag experienced during the performance of the athletic activity.