Dynamic Surface Topography for Speed Skating Suit Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed skating suits fail to adequately reduce wind resistance and drag, which can impact athlete performance in high-speed competitions.
Innovation Solution
A speed skating suit with a resilient textile laminate that includes a fabric layer and a polymer membrane, featuring dynamic elements that change from recesses to protrusions when tension is applied, creating a roughened exterior surface to enhance aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a smooth surface is used on the speed skating suit, then the suit is easier to manufacture and has simpler structure, but the drag reduction performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic surface structure that changes from recesses in the relaxed state to protrusions when tension is applied. This dynamic transformation allows the suit to have a simple smooth appearance during storage and handling, but automatically develops the complex drag-reducing protrusion structure when worn and stretched, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the surface topology through mechanical tension. The surface roughness and protrusion height are not fixed but change as a function of the applied tension, allowing the same material to provide both manufacturing ease and optimal aerodynamic performance under different operational conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex dynamic surface structure is applied to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tension-activated structure allows the complex aerodynamic features to emerge automatically during the wearing process rather than requiring pre-formed complex geometry. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining drag reduction performance, as the protrusions form in-situ through the natural tension of the suit being worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The suit structure serves itself by using the body's movement and the resulting tension to automatically create the optimal aerodynamic surface. The wearer's own motion activates the drag-reducing protrusions, eliminating the need for complex external mechanisms or manual adjustment systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the suit material is kept simple and smooth, then the material properties are easier to control, but the drag reduction capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the material through tension application. The same stable base material transforms its surface characteristics from smooth to protruding, allowing controlled modification of aerodynamic properties without changing the fundamental material composition or requiring multiple different materials.
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 suit reduces drag by transitioning from a dimpled to a protruded surface when stretched, improving aerodynamic performance and reducing wind resistance, leading to faster times in competitions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient substrate with dynamic elements or areas selectively activated by placing the substrate under a predetermined load or tension
Implementation Method 2
The resulting surface is effective at reducing the drag experienced by the wearer of the bodysuit during use
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A suit wearable by a human user includes a torso section, two arm sections extending from an upper portion of the torso section, and two leg sections extending from a lower portion of the torso section. The suit further includes a plurality of spaced apart marks connected with an interior surface portion of the suit. The plurality of marks formed on the interior surface portion of the suit impart a roughened, uneven surface along an exterior surface portion that corresponds with the interior surface portion of the suit, and a surface roughness of the exterior surface portion varies based upon a degree of stretch applied to the suit.