Circular Winding Rims for Customizable Apparel Material Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods of making apparel materials that are customizable and efficiently manufacturable in large quantities, while providing durable, comfortable, and performance-enhancing characteristics suitable for various use cases.
Innovation Solution
A winding apparatus comprising a first and second rim with projections, a thread guide, and actuators to rotate the rims and move the guide, allowing continuous threads to be wound around anchor points to create thread layers or patterns with customizable characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional weaving or knitting techniques are used to manufacture apparel materials, then the materials can be produced with established processes, but the manufacturing time and complexity increase, and customization capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the manufacturing process into discrete winding operations around multiple independently controllable rims. Each rim can be programmed with specific projection patterns, allowing different sections of the apparel material to be customized independently while maintaining efficient parallel production
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable rim configurations where the number of projections, their spacing, and their positions can be changed during operation. This dynamic reconfigurability enables rapid customization of material characteristics without requiring complete process redesign, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining adaptability
2Manufacturing precision
If complex winding patterns are used to achieve desired material characteristics, then the material properties (durability, stiffness, weight, tackiness, air permeability) can be optimized, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The winding apparatus serves multiple functions through a single integrated system: it can create different thread densities, control material stiffness through projection spacing, regulate weight via winding patterns, and adjust air permeability through rim configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each material property adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls material characteristics by changing operational parameters such as rim rotation speeds, projection positions, and thread tension rather than redesigning the apparatus structure. These parameter adjustments allow precise control over durability, stiffness, weight, tackiness, and air permeability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Productivity
If multiple rims with projections are used to wind continuous threads efficiently, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and initial manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs nested modular components where projections are attached to rims, rims are mounted on rotating mechanisms, and multiple rim assemblies can be stacked or arranged in sequences. This nested modularity allows efficient parallel production across multiple rims while enabling stepwise manufacturing and assembly, reducing the barrier to initial production
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Winding apparatuses and methods for manufacturing an article of apparel. The winding apparatus can comprise a first rim and a second rim coupled to and spaced apart from each other and rotatable on a rotation axis. The winding apparatus can comprise a first plurality of projections coupled to and extending from a perimeter of the first rim and a second plurality of projections coupled to and extending from a perimeter of the second rim. A thread guide can be configured to dispense a continuous thread to wind one or more continuous threads around all or a subset of the first and second plurality of projections on the first and second rims.