Foam nodes for creating stand off on apparel items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional athletic apparel often lacks stand-off, which can lead to cling and discomfort, and existing methods for creating stand-off are labor-intensive and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The use of foam nodes applied to the inner-facing surface of apparel items, which expand to create a space between the garment and the skin, providing stand-off and enhancing evaporative cooling through perforations that allow air and moisture exchange, while also creating deboss and emboss patterns for increased effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional methods are used to create stand-off on apparel items, then the space between the garment and skin is increased, but the manufacturing process becomes labor-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the chemical expansion properties of foam materials. The foam nodes are applied in a compressed state and then undergo chemical transformation to expand and increase in volume, creating the desired stand-off space. This automated chemical expansion process eliminates labor-intensive manual assembly while achieving the required volumetric increase for stand-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles through the use of foam expansion. The foam nodes utilize gas generation and expansion mechanisms to automatically create the stand-off space between the apparel and the wearer's body. This self-expanding pneumatic-like behavior replaces complex mechanical assembly processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired spatial separation.
2Ease of operation
If foam nodes are applied to create stand-off, then wearer comfort and evaporative cooling are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stand-off function into discrete foam nodes distributed across the apparel surface. Each node independently provides localized stand-off and cooling functionality. This segmented approach enhances wearer comfort through multiple contact points while keeping each individual node simple in structure, thereby managing overall device complexity through modular distribution rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam nodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical stand-off to prevent cling, create air channels for evaporative cooling, and offer thermal insulation. This multi-functionality enhances wearer comfort through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive performance.
3Temperature
If foam nodes with perforations are used to promote air circulation, then evaporative cooling is enhanced, but the structural integrity of the fabric may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the perforation and air circulation functions specifically within the foam node regions rather than throughout the entire fabric. The foam nodes are strategically positioned and perforated to create localized air channels for evaporative cooling, while the surrounding fabric maintains its full structural integrity. This localized approach enhances cooling efficiency without compromising overall fabric strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material principles by combining the foam node material with the base fabric. The foam nodes, which are inherently more porous and perforated, are attached to and integrated with the stronger base fabric material. This composite structure allows the foam nodes to provide cooling through perforations while the base fabric maintains structural integrity, achieving both cooling efficiency and fabric strength through material combination.
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 foam nodes effectively reduce the perception of cling, enhance wearer comfort, and promote evaporative cooling by creating a space for air circulation and moisture vapor exit, while maintaining the structural integrity of the fabric.
Implementation Method 1
foam nodes applied to the inner-facing surface of apparel items, which expand to create a space between the garment and the skin
Implementation Method 2
enhancing evaporative cooling through perforations that allow air and moisture exchange
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein relate to apparel items and apparel systems that utilize applied or printed foam nodes to provide, among other things, stand-off between an apparel item and a wearer's skin surface. One or more of the foam nodes, or areas of the textile surrounding the foam nodes, may be perforated to provide a fluid communication path between an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface of the apparel item. The communication path may be used to facilitate air exchange between the external environment and the wearer's body and/or to provide an exit path for moisture vapor generated by the wearer.