Apparel Cover Layer with Reduced Friction Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes often incur injuries such as friction burns and compressive injuries while sliding during athletic activities due to the high friction between their clothing and the ground at the femoral joint and leg areas.
Innovation Solution
An article of apparel comprising a base layer and a cover layer with low friction areas positioned at the femoral joints and sides of the legs, where the cover layer is wider in the pelvic region than the leg regions, reducing friction and incorporating cushioning elements to minimize impact injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the athlete wears regular clothing during sliding, then the clothing provides basic coverage and protection, but the high friction between the clothing and ground causes friction burns and abrasive injuries at the femoral joint and leg areas
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel incorporates panels with different friction characteristics in specific locations. The cover layer has a first friction characteristic for contact with the ground (lower friction) and a second friction characteristic for contact with the wearer's skin (higher friction), creating local quality variations that reduce friction burns while maintaining necessary coverage and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparel uses composite material construction with a base layer and a cover layer secured to the exterior surface of the base layer. The cover layer is positioned to extend from a side area of the pelvic region to a side area of the leg region, creating a composite structure that combines materials with different friction properties to simultaneously reduce ground friction and maintain skin adhesion.
2Area of stationary object
If the cover layer is made wider in the pelvic region to provide better coverage, then the coverage and protection are improved, but the friction and potential for injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is positioned to extend from a side area of the pelvic region to a side area of the leg region, providing targeted coverage where needed while using materials with appropriate friction characteristics to minimize harmful friction effects in high-contact areas.
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 effectively reduces friction burns and compressive injuries by providing low friction surfaces and cushioning, enhancing comfort and safety during sliding movements.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer is greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel may include a base layer and a cover layer. The cover layer may be stitchlessly-secured to an exterior surface of the base layer and positioned to extend along a side area and from a pelvic region to a leg region of the base layer. A width of the cover layer may be greater in the pelvic region than the first leg region. In some configurations, a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer may be greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer.