Deformable Ventilation Element for Glove-Operated Protective Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective garments, such as those used in motorcycling and skiing, face difficulties in adjusting ventilation due to the complexity of zip fasteners, especially when wearing gloves, leading to increased risk of accidents and inadequate breathability.
Innovation Solution
A protective garment with a deformable element that transitions between a closed and open configuration to control airflow through a ventilation opening, allowing for simpler operation even with gloves on, using a spring steel element integrated into a flap for easy movement between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a zip fastener is used to control ventilation, then the ventilation can be adjusted, but the operation becomes difficult and complicated when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex zip fastening mechanism and replaces it with a simple deformable element that can be easily manipulated. The deformable element is inserted through a hole in the garment and deformed to open or close the ventilation opening, eliminating the need for gloves to manipulate a zip mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical zip fastener system with a simpler deformable element system. Instead of using a zip that requires pulling and threading motions, the deformable element is simply deformed (e.g., pinched or bent) to achieve the same ventilation control function, making it accessible even when wearing gloves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional zip fastener is used, then ventilation adjustment is possible, but the garment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex zip fastener mechanism from the garment structure and replaces it with a minimal deformable element. This extraction of the essential function (ventilation control) while eliminating unnecessary complexity results in a simpler garment design that achieves the same adaptability.
3Reliability
If waterproof zip fasteners are used to guarantee impermeability, then the garment becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple deformable element instead of expensive waterproof zip fasteners. The deformable element is a minimal, low-cost component that achieves the necessary impermeability when closed, eliminating the need for costly waterproofing mechanisms while maintaining the reliability of the garment's protective function.
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
Enhances user safety by simplifying ventilation control, preventing zip-related accidents, and maintaining impermeability without the need for costly waterproof zips, while ensuring effective airflow and insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable element arranged opposite the ventilation opening, in the first portion of the protective garment. This deformable element is, in particular, configured to assume a first configuration, or closed configuration, and a second configuration, or open configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a garment (100) having a visible external surface and an internal surface adapted to face, in use, the body of a user, said garment (100) comprising a first portion (10) of said garment (100) and a second portion (20) of said garment (100) defining a ventilation opening (1) configured to place in communication said visible external surface and said internal surface. The garment (100) further comprises a deformable element (30) associated with said first portion (10) of said protective garment (100), wherein said deformable element (30) is configured to assume a first configuration, or closed configuration, and a second configuration, or open configuration, wherein in said first configuration, or closed configuration, the deformable element (30) is configured to prevent or hinder the passage of a ventilation air flow, and wherein in said second configuration, or open configuration, the deformable element (30) is configured to allow a ventilation air flow through the ventilation opening (1) of said protective garment (100). In the first configuration, or closed configuration, the deformable element (30) is in a rest condition, while in the second configuration, or open configuration, the deformable element has an arch configuration designed to define said ventilation opening (1). The present disclosure also relates to a ventilation method for ventilating a protective garment (100).