Dynamic Vent-Slit Apparel for Uniform Stretch Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic apparel lacks dynamic and uniform ventilation, leading to perspiration buildup due to inconsistent and improper ventilation structures that fail to respond effectively to movement and stretch directions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of strategically placed dynamic vent-slits in a repeating pattern that aligns slits in the same direction, with a non-linear slit overlapping the spacing between linear slits, allowing for uniform opening in response to stretch forces, thereby providing consistent and targeted ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vent structures are used in athletic apparel, then ventilation is provided, but the vent structures open inconsistently and unevenly when the article is stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The vent structure is divided into multiple individual slit openings arranged in a specific pattern. Each slit is separated and can respond independently to stretch forces, allowing consistent opening behavior across the entire vent structure rather than as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit openings are arranged in an asymmetric pattern with varying orientations and positions. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that stretch forces from different directions are distributed evenly across all slits, preventing any single slit from opening inconsistently while maintaining uniform ventilation.
2Productivity
If vent structures are added to athletic apparel, then breathability is improved, but the vents open at the wrong time and in wrong areas
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the apparel are equipped with vent slits oriented in different directions. Slits in high-movement areas are positioned and angled to open specifically during those movements, providing localized ventilation where and when it is most needed rather than uniform ventilation throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent slits are designed to dynamically respond to the direction and magnitude of stretch forces. As the wearer moves and stretches the fabric in different directions, the slits automatically open and close based on the local deformation, adapting ventilation to the real-time movement without external control.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple vent structures are distributed across the apparel, then ventilation coverage is increased, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The vent slits are arranged in a repeating periodic pattern across the apparel fabric. This regular spacing and orientation repetition simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized cutting and fabrication methods, while still providing wide-area ventilation coverage through the distributed nature of the pattern.
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 ensures even distribution of stretch forces across the slit pattern, resulting in uniform and consistent opening of vent-slits, enhancing ventilation and comfort by channeling airflow effectively across the body during various movements.
Implementation Method 1
when the article is stretched perpendicular to the orientation of the slits, the slits open to provide a direct path through the article
Data Source
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AI summary
An upper body article (800) incorporating a dynamic vent-slit structure is provided. The article includes a torso portion (802) adapted to extend around at least a portion of a wearer's torso in an as-worn position, and a plurality of slits (820) arranged in a repeating fashion, wherein a spacing (826) between two adjacent slits (822) in linear alignment is less than a length of a slit (824) in non-linear alignment with the two adjacent slits and that the slit in non-linear alignment is offset from the two adjacent slits such that the slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the two adjacent slits in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment is parallel to the two adjacent slits in linear alignment. The slits may be positioned in one or more groupings, or aligned in different directions to open in response to different directions of stretch or movement, to provide dynamic venting of the article.