Compression Zones in Apparel for Muscle Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional running apparel fails to effectively address muscle fatigue, edema, and soreness in the thigh and calf areas due to inadequate compression and vibration absorption during high-impact activities like running.
Innovation Solution
A warp knit running tight with preconfigured compression zones of varying modulus of elasticity, achieved through the use of different elastic yarns and integrated knit structure patterns that modify compressive properties, distributing higher compression to the thigh and calf areas while maintaining mobility in the knee and hip areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional running apparel is configured to be lightweight and breathable, then comfort is improved, but compression capability to reduce muscle vibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct compression zones with different modulus values in specific anatomical regions. The garment includes a first compression zone over the thigh with a first modulus of elasticity and a second compression zone over the calf with a second modulus of elasticity, where the moduli are different. This allows targeted vibration reduction in muscle groups while maintaining overall comfort and breathability of the lightweight fabric.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform compression is applied to the entire leg, then vibration reduction is improved, but mobility in joint areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the compression strength across different body regions. The first compression zone over the thigh and second compression zone over the calf have different modulus values, allowing stronger compression where needed for vibration reduction while maintaining lower compression in joint areas to preserve mobility and range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into multiple compression zones with distinct elastic properties. By dividing the leg coverage into separate zones (thigh region and calf region) with different compression characteristics, the design achieves both vibration reduction in muscle areas and mobility preservation in joint regions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compression zones with different modulus values are created, then targeted vibration reduction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the modulus of elasticity parameter across different zones of the same continuous garment. The first and second compression zones have different modulus values achieved through varying yarn composition, stitch patterns, or knitting density within the warp knit fabric structure, allowing targeted compression without requiring separate garment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple compression functions into a single integrated garment structure. Rather than using separate compression devices or multiple layers, the design combines different compression zones into one warp knit article of apparel, simplifying the overall system while achieving differentiated vibration reduction across the leg.
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 solution minimizes muscle vibration in the thigh and calf areas while allowing greater freedom of movement in the knee and hip, enhancing athletic performance by providing targeted compression and improved comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A first compression zone may be positioned adjacent to a thigh area of a wearer when the article of apparel is worn. A second compression zone may be positioned adjacent to a calf area of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
distributing higher compression to the thigh and calf areas while maintaining mobility in the knee and hip areas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An upper torso article of apparel (800) having an outer-facing structure having preconfigured compression zones (810, 812, 814, 816, 818) with integrated structure patterns is provided herein. The compression zones (810, 812, 814, 816, 818) may have differing compression forces where zones having a higher compression force are located at the torso area (810), upper arm area (812) and lower arm area (814) of the upper torso article of apparel (800), and zones having a lower compression force are located at the upper chest area (816) and elbow area (818) of the upper torso article of apparel (800). The integrated structure patterns modify the compression forces of the zones in the areas where the patterns are located in order to further customize the compressive properties of the upper torso article of apparel.