Removable Module Athletic Band With Pocket-Based User Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing athletic apparel does not effectively integrate electronic devices for intense physical activities, leading to distraction and potential loss of the device during use, while also being restricted by regulatory requirements.

Innovation Solution

An article of apparel, such as an armband or wristband, with a pocket for removably securing an electronic module, featuring an input device with a button and wireless transmitter for user interaction and communication, allowing seamless operation and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electronic device is placed in a pocket of athletic apparel, then the device can be retained during physical activity, but the athlete may be distracted when removing or replacing the device from the pocket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice retentionVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-positioned in a secure pocket location that requires minimal movement to access. The pocket is strategically placed and sized so that the device can be quickly removed or inserted with a single motion, reducing distraction during athletic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If an electronic device is kept in a pocket during intense physical activity, then the device is retained, but the athlete may drop the device while fumbling to remove or replace it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice retentionVSAvoidpocket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket structure is divided into distinct functional zones: a secure retention area with elastic or snap closure to hold the device firmly, and a quick-access opening that allows the device to be removed in one smooth motion. This segmentation enables both secure retention and easy removal without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic devices are integrated into athletic apparel, then regulatory restrictions are addressed, but the apparel design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidapparel design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of electronic devices (smartphones, music players, fitness trackers) of similar dimensions. The same pocket structure serves both as a secure storage solution and as a platform for integrating various electronic functions, reducing overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3220808B1Athletic band with removable module
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3220808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3220808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3220808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A band includes a tubular body configured to be worn on a user's body and a pocket supported by the tubular body, where the pocket defines a cavity and has an access opening providing access to the cavity, and where the pocket is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. An input device is connected to the tubular body and has a port exposed to the cavity of the band, where the port is configured for removable connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the cavity. The input device may include a button configured to receive user input and a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to an external device based on the user input. The input device may also include a haptic feedback mechanism for communicating haptic signals to the user.