Electroadhesive Clutch Apparel for Dynamic Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparel, such as bras and tights, lack adaptive support mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to different activity levels, leading to discomfort and potential injury, and electrostatic systems face issues with bulk charge accumulation, dielectric absorption, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an electroadhesive clutch system with alternating current (AC) signals and a watertight encasing to manage charge accumulation and power consumption, while providing adjustable support based on activity data from sensors like IMUs and GPS, allowing for dynamic fit and support adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic systems are used for dynamic support adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but bulk charge accumulation and dielectric absorption occur causing system failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic support adjustmentVSAvoidcharge accumulation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using alternating current (AC) signals instead of direct current (DC) to periodically charge and discharge the electrostatic clutch. This periodic charging/discharging prevents bulk charge accumulation and dielectric absorption that would occur with continuous DC application, thereby maintaining system reliability while enabling dynamic support adjustment through controlled electrostatic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter from DC to AC signaling, which fundamentally alters how charge is managed in the electrostatic system. By varying the electrical signal parameters (using AC waveforms with specific frequencies and amplitudes), the system achieves dynamic support adjustment without the harmful effects of charge accumulation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic systems are used for dynamic support adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic support adjustmentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By using periodic AC signals, the system only consumes power during the charging phases of the AC cycle, rather than maintaining continuous power consumption as would be required with DC. The discharging phases return energy to the system or dissipate it efficiently, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the adaptability for dynamic support adjustment throughout the AC cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic clutch system utilizes the inherent capacitive properties of its components to store and release energy during the AC cycle, effectively serving its own energy needs partially. The dielectric elements and conductive members act as capacitors that automatically charge and discharge with each AC cycle, reducing the external power required to maintain dynamic adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If apparel provides maximum support, then reliability is improved, but comfort decreases due to lack of adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidwearer comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static support structure into a dynamic one by incorporating electrostatic clutches that can adjust their gripping force in real-time. This allows the apparel to transition between different support levels dynamically, providing maximum support when needed (improving reliability) and reduced support for comfort during low-activity periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between support stability and wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect wearer movement and activity level, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the electrostatic clutches to automatically adjust support levels appropriate to the current activity, ensuring reliability during high-impact activities while maintaining comfort during low-impact periods, thus resolving the support-comfort contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 electroadhesive clutch system effectively manages charge accumulation and power consumption, providing adjustable support that enhances comfort and reduces injury risk by dynamically adapting to activity levels.

Implementation Method 1

an electroadhesive clutch system with alternating current (AC) signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroadhesive effect: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4714286A2Apparel with controllable displacement system

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 NIKE INNOVATE CV

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A support garment can include a textile layer forming a supportive region and configured to adjustably permit or inhibit displacement of a body part of the wearer that is positioned adjacent or proximate the supportive region. The garment can include an electroadhesive clutch device to help control displacement. In an example, the garment includes an underwear garment or a portion thereof.