Exoskeleton Garment with Hook and Loop Weight Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports and fitness garments with integrated weights lack flexibility in weight placement customization and often prioritize weight training over protection, particularly in high-impact sports.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeleton system with a plush outer surface and hook and loop fasteners allowing attachment of devices and weights to specific body parts, providing customizable resistance training and protection through a multilayer construct of nylon, plush material, and optional neoprene or polyurethane middle layer for structural integrity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If predetermined weight loading locations are fabricated on the garment, then weight training function is provided, but flexibility for customization of weight placement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple segments with separate attachment points distributed across different body regions. Each segment can independently accommodate weights or protective elements, allowing customization of placement without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism serves multiple functions: it can secure weights for training, attach protective elements for safety, and accommodate various accessories. This universal attachment system eliminates the need for separate predetermined structures for each function.
2Productivity
If the garment focuses mainly on weight load training, then training effectiveness is improved, but protection during high-impact activities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The garment merges weight training functionality with protective functionality into a single integrated system. Weight elements and protective elements are combined in the same attachment mechanism, allowing simultaneous achievement of training effectiveness and impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment allows changing parameters such as weight load, protective element type, and attachment location based on activity requirements. For high-impact activities, protective elements can be attached; for training sessions, weight elements are used, providing adaptability without sacrificing either function.
3Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used for device attachment, then ease of customization is improved, but attachment strength may be insufficient for high-impact activities
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system uses a composite approach combining hook and loop fasteners with reinforced anchoring points and structural elements. The hook and loop provide ease of attachment while the composite construction with multiple layers and reinforcement points ensures sufficient strength for high-impact activities.
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
Enables customizable resistance training and enhanced protection for athletes, promoting neuromuscular development, improved blood flow, and confidence while allowing for progressive weight load training and protection during high-impact activities.
Implementation Method 1
An exoskeleton system with a plush outer surface and hook and loop fasteners allowing attachment of devices and weights to specific body parts
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton (100) system comprises at least one garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt or vest (110), short or pants (120), an upper arm sleeve (130), a lower arm sleeve (140), a thigh sleeve (150), and a leg sleeve (160) wherein the garment may be a multilayer construct that comprises an inner layer (201) of nylon material, a middle layer (202) made of neoprene, an outer layer (203) made of plush material; and an article (300) with attached hook and loop fasteners (301) to be mounted onto the garment by securing the hook and loop fasteners (301) onto any spots or locations of the outer layer (203).