Apparel Vent Structure Using Flexible Elongate Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vent structures in articles of apparel are large and heavy, increasing production costs and friction, while providing limited cooling due to their size, and often require significant fabric modifications that compromise comfort and weight.
Innovation Solution
A vent structure comprising elongate members and ribs that bias the edges of an opening to move laterally, creating a wider opening than conventional vents, allowing for efficient heat dissipation without increasing the vent's size or weight, and minimizing fabric puckering through notched edges and tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large vent structures are used to provide large vent openings, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but weight and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible elongate members that can be integrated into the fabric of the article of apparel. These members are thin and lightweight yet provide the structural function of maintaining vent opening, eliminating the need for heavy rigid vent structures while preserving ventilation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure is merged with the fabric of the article of apparel through integration of elongate members into the fabric layers. This combining allows the vent structure to utilize the existing fabric strength and flexibility, reducing the need for additional heavy structural components.
2Temperature
If large vent structures are used to provide large vent openings, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongate members can be manufactured using standard textile processes and integrated into the fabric during normal production, avoiding the need for expensive post-production assembly of complex rigid vent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate members serve multiple functions: providing structural support for the vent opening, maintaining fabric integrity, and enabling ventilation control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Temperature
If large vent structures are used, then vent opening size is improved, but friction and wearing comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongate members conform to the body contours and fabric surface, eliminating rigid edges that cause friction and chafing. The soft, fabric-integrated structure moves with the wearer, preventing discomfort during physical activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure provides localized ventilation functionality only where needed, with the elongate members distributed strategically within the fabric. This localized approach maintains comfort in non-vent areas while providing adequate cooling where required.
4Temperature
If vents are added to article of apparel, then ventilation is improved, but overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate members are thin, flexible elements that can be woven or knit into the fabric structure, adding minimal weight. Their flexible nature allows them to provide structural function without the mass of rigid vent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure utilizes composite construction combining the elongate members with the base fabric material. This composite approach allows the vent functionality to be achieved through the interaction of materials rather than adding separate heavy components.
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 vent structure provides enhanced ventilation and heat dissipation with a smaller footprint, reducing production costs and weight, while maintaining comfort and minimizing drag, allowing for efficient cooling during physical activities.
Implementation Method 1
The vent structure is formed from a resilient material and collectively bias the first side and the second side to an open configuration that exposes and expands the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A vent structure and a method of forming a vent from a vent structure are described herein. The vent structure includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a set of ribs extending between the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The first elongate member is configured to be attached to a first side of an opening formed in an article of apparel and the second elongate member is configured to be attached to a second side of the opening, the second side being opposite the first side. Collectively, the first elongate member, second elongate member, and the set of ribs bias the first side and the second side to an open configuration that exposes and expands the opening.