Method and system for producing a compression garment and customized garment thus produced
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments often fail to fit correctly to the body, resulting in inconsistent compression levels across different body parts, and their production in multiple sizes is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a supporting mannequin with pressure sensors and independent heaters to measure and adjust compression levels at various body parts by heating and cooling the garment, allowing production of a single size garment that can be customized to provide targeted compression profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If garments are manufactured in several sizes to satisfy different wearers, then the fit and compression accuracy are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different portions of the same garment to have different elastic properties through selective heating. The heating system activates specific zones (e.g., thighs, calves, ankles) to modify fabric elasticity locally, allowing each body region to receive customized compression levels from a single standardized garment size, thereby eliminating the need to manufacture multiple sizes while maintaining compression accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the elastic properties of the fabric through controlled heating. By changing the temperature parameter in specific garment zones, the fabric's elasticity is altered to achieve desired compression levels. This allows a single garment design to be adapted to different body types and compression requirements without requiring multiple size variants, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized garment size is used for all wearers, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the compression accuracy and fit quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the garment to automatically adjust its own elastic properties through the heating system. When the garment is worn, the heating elements activate specific zones to modify the fabric's elasticity in real-time, allowing the garment to self-customize its compression profile to match the wearer's body shape and requirements, thereby achieving accurate fit from a standardized size without requiring multiple size productions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the garment from a static, fixed-elasticity structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The elastic properties of the fabric can be modified on-demand through selective heating, allowing the garment to adapt its compression characteristics after manufacture. This dynamic capability enables a single standardized garment to serve multiple body types and compression needs, maintaining precision while reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same compression is applied to all body parts, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the physiological effectiveness and wearer comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the garment into multiple independently controllable zones (e.g., upper thigh, lower thigh, calf, ankle). Each zone has its own heating element and can be selectively activated to modify elastic properties independently. This segmentation enables different compression levels to be applied to different body parts according to physiological requirements, improving effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through modular heating control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different compression levels in different garment zones based on specific physiological needs. The heating system targets specific body regions (such as higher compression on calves and lower on thighs) to create localized elastic property modifications, ensuring each body part receives the appropriate compression level for optimal physiological effectiveness without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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
Enables cost-effective production of customizable compression garments that fit and provide desired compression levels at different body locations, accommodating varying user sizes and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
heating selected portions of the mannequin to heat corresponding portions of the garment until the compression of the garment on the mannequin has reached a desired value
Implementation Method 2
Cooling the base garment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a compression garment for a user from an elastic fabric comprises the step of providing a base garment, fitting the garment on a supporting mannequin that has a plurality of independent heating means to independently heat different portions of the garment, measuring the compression applied to the mannequin portions by the garment and heating selected portions of the garment until the compression of the garment on the mannequin has reached a desired value.