Apparel with Moisture-Responsive Overlay Film for Adaptive Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional articles of apparel maintain a static fit across varying environmental conditions, failing to adapt to changes in external stimuli such as moisture, which can lead to suboptimal comfort and performance in certain activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating discrete overlay film structures affixed to a base textile that swell or increase in dimension in response to moisture, causing the base textile to change dimension and adjust the fit of the apparel, such as decreasing circumference in areas like sleeves or torso portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static apparel is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing materials that alter their physical properties in response to environmental stimuli. The hydrogel-coated yarns change their swelling characteristics based on humidity levels, causing the knit fabric to dynamically adjust its dimensional parameters and provide adaptive fit without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials by combining traditional knit fabric with hydrogel coatings on specific yarns. This creates a hybrid material system where the base fabric provides structural integrity while the hydrogel-coated yarns provide stimulus-responsive adaptability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overlay film structures are added to base textile, then adaptability to moisture improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adaptive functionality into discrete overlay film structures distributed across the base textile. Rather than treating the entire fabric uniformly, specific regions with hydrogel-coated yarns are segmented and positioned strategically to provide localized adaptive response to moisture while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by applying hydrogel coatings to specific yarns at specific locations within the knit fabric rather than uniformly throughout. This allows different regions of the apparel to have different functional properties, with moisture-responsive areas positioned where adaptive fit is most beneficial while keeping other areas simple.
3Reliability
If apparel maintains static fit, then manufacturing precision is simple, but performance under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the apparel to automatically adjust its fit in response to environmental conditions without external control systems. The hydrogel-coated yarns autonomously swell or contract based on humidity levels, enabling the fabric to self-regulate its dimensional stability and maintain optimal performance across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by transitioning from a static fit structure to a dynamic one that continuously adapts to environmental changes. The knit fabric with hydrogel-coated yarns can dynamically alter its dimensional properties in response to moisture and temperature variations, providing consistent performance despite changing conditions.
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 fit provided by the overlay film structures enhances performance by reducing drag and improving comfort by tightening around the wearer's body in response to moisture, and reverts to the original fit when the stimulus is removed.
Implementation Method 1
one or more overlay film structures affixed to the base textile that swell or increase in dimension in response to an external stimulus
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to articles of apparel (300) formed from a base textile (302) and including a plurality of discrete overlay film structures (326, 328) affixed to the base textile at one or more locations on the article of apparel. When exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo an increase in dimension in at least the z-direction and the base textile undergoes a decrease in dimension in one or more of the x-direction and the y-direction.