Foldable Sleeve Supporter for Wrinkle-Free Jacket Hanging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to prevent suit sleeves from wrinkling or creasing when garments are hung, as they are not designed for this specific purpose in manufacturing or robotic sewing processes.

Innovation Solution

A universal sleeve supporter made from a firm yet flexible material with a foldable clip and scored side edges, allowing it to be adapted to different sleeve diameters and featuring a hanger engaging opening, is created from a scored planar structure that can be folded into a three-dimensional shape to fit inside a garment sleeve and secure over the arm seam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid support structure is used to prevent sleeve wrinkling, then the support effectiveness is improved, but the adaptability to different sleeve diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to different sleeve diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other, allowing the structure to adapt to different sleeve diameters while maintaining support effectiveness. The segmented design enables the rigid support to be compacted for storage and expanded for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change its configuration from a compact folded state to an expanded support state. This dynamic transformation enables the same structure to provide reliable support across various sleeve diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex three-dimensional support structure is used to prevent creasing, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the ease of storage and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidease of storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to nest within itself when not in use, with components folding into each other to create a compact form. This nesting capability maintains the three-dimensional support structure's effectiveness while dramatically reducing its storage footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions between two-dimensional folded state and three-dimensional expanded state. This dimensional transformation allows the structure to provide effective three-dimensional support when needed while occupying minimal space during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal design is used to accommodate various sleeve sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal adaptabilityVSAvoiddimensional consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure utilizes parameters such as fold angles, segment lengths, and material flexibility that can be adjusted within tolerances to accommodate variations in sleeve dimensions. These parameter variations allow universal adaptability without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support structure have different properties - some segments are designed for rigidity while others provide flexibility. This local differentiation allows the structure to adapt to various sleeve sizes while maintaining overall dimensional consistency through controlled variations in specific regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively prevents wrinkling and creasing of suit sleeves while on a hanger by securely engaging over the arm seam, accommodating various sleeve sizes and allowing easy storage on a hanger when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

a planar structure made of a firm yet flexible material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

scored side edge sections, one along each side of a lower section of the planar structure, the scored side edge sections including a plurality of score lines therein about which the side edge sections may be folded inwardly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentUS9060634B1Universal sleeve supporter and method for manufacturing a sleeve supporter

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 MEDWYNTER BRIDGET

AI summary

A universal sleeve supporter for keeping a suit jacket sleeve from creasing or wrinkling while the jacket is mounted on a hanger. The supporter comprises a planar structure stamped out of a firm yet flexible material in a manner to include a hanger engaging opening therein for engaging the supporter about a hanger when not in use and a clip which is foldable to either side of the structure, being engaged to the supporter structure by a hinge stamped into the material thereof. The supporter has scored side edge sections along each side edge of a lower section thereof, the scored side edge sections including a plurality of score lines therein about which the side edge sections may be folded inwardly to accommodate a sleeve of lesser diameter than that of the lower section.