Electroadhesive Support Garment for Moisture-Stable Adaptive Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparel support systems lack adaptability and comfort across varying activities, with limited adjustment mechanisms and susceptibility to bulk charge accumulation, dielectric absorption, and moisture exposure in electrostatic or electroadhesive systems, leading to performance degradation and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electroadhesive clutch system with adaptive support garments, utilizing alternating current signals, watertight encapsulation, and flexible materials to manage charge, prevent dielectric absorption, and maintain performance in dynamic conditions, while providing adjustable support and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic or electroadhesive systems are used in apparel to provide adaptive support, then support adjustability is improved, but bulk charge accumulation and dielectric absorption occur leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport adjustabilityVSAvoidperformance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electroadhesive system that uses electrostatic forces to adjust support levels. The electroadhesive clutch mechanism uses electrical fields to control the engagement and disengagement of support elements, enabling dynamic adjustment without mechanical moving parts that accumulate charge or suffer from dielectric absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) to control the electroadhesive effect. By varying the electrical field strength and characteristics, the system adjusts the level of support provided by the apparel, allowing transition between different support states without mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic systems are used in apparel, then adaptive support is achieved, but susceptibility to moisture exposure leads to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptive supportVSAvoidmoisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible encapsulation layers and thin film barriers that conform to the apparel structure while protecting the electroadhesive components from moisture. These flexible protective layers allow the electrical components to maintain functionality in damp environments without compromising the adaptive support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If limited adjustment mechanisms are used in apparel, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability across varying activities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment mechanismsVSAvoidadaptability across activities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electroadhesive system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adaptive support adjustment, acts as a clutch mechanism for engagement/disengagement, and responds to various activity levels through electrical field modulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms while enhancing adaptability across different activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 dynamically adjusts support levels based on activity data, prevents bulk charge accumulation, and maintains performance in damp environments, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of injury by providing customizable support and ventilation.

Implementation Method 1

The present inventor has recognized, among other things, a need for improved fit and function of apparel... An adaptive bra can also utilize automated adjustment mechanisms coupled to movement sensors to dynamically adjust...

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroadhesion: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

susceptibility to bulk charge accumulation, dielectric absorption, and moisture exposure in electrostatic or electroadhesive systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric protection: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12102141B2Apparel with controllable displacement system

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 NIKE INC

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.