Apparel Bladder with Compressible Zone for Body Conformance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of apparel and footwear lack the ability to conform to the shape of the wearer's body, making it difficult to achieve an optimal fit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compressible component with adjustable zones and a port for fluid communication, allowing the article of apparel to transition between a relaxed and constricted state, thereby conforming to the wearer's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable articles of apparel are used, then the article can accommodate various sizes, but the article cannot conform to the wearer's body shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bladder filled with fluid (or air) that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the volume and shape of the article. By controlling the fluid pressure within the bladder, the article can dynamically adapt its form to conform to different body shapes and sizes, providing customizability without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state or parameters of the material by using phase-change materials or materials that alter their properties in response to external stimuli (such as temperature, moisture, or electrical signals). This allows the article to transform its characteristics to better fit the wearer's body, achieving adaptability through material property modification rather than mechanical adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the article is made from flexible material to accommodate various sizes, then the article can be adjusted, but the article cannot provide optimal fit and support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the article to change its properties in real-time based on the wearer's needs. The system can transition between different states (such as compressed and expanded) to provide optimal fit and support, moving beyond static flexible materials to actively adaptive structures
Solution Approach 2:
The article is divided into multiple independent zones or regions, each capable of being adjusted separately. This segmentation allows different parts of the article to conform to different body areas with varying requirements, providing a more precise and reliable overall fit while maintaining size accommodation capabilities
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 a customizable fit by allowing the article of apparel to compress and conform to the wearer's body, providing enhanced support and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
transitioning the bladder from a first three-dimensional shape to a second three-dimensional shape that corresponds to a constricted state of the article of apparel by changing a volume of fluid or air inside the bladder
Implementation Method 2
a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first zone operable between a contracted state and a relaxed state, and a port fluidly coupled to the bladder and operable to selectively permit fluid communication with the interior void
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel includes a bladder including an interior void, a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first zone, the first zone operable between a contracted state and a relaxed state, and a port fluidly coupled to the bladder and operable to selectively permit fluid communication with the interior void.