Sports Garment with Motion-Supporting and Body-Shaping Compression Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports garments for physical activity lack both moisture-wicking and body-shaping capabilities, making them uncomfortable and impractical for wear during exercise, while shapewear is not suitable for physical activity due to restrictive hardware and sheer fabric. Additionally, existing sports garments designed for compression do not flatter individuals with higher body fat percentages.
Innovation Solution
A sports garment featuring multiple compression zones, including motion-supporting and body-shaping zones, made from moisture-wicking textiles without hardware, designed to provide support and contouring while allowing for breathability, using knitting techniques to create seamless zones that can be worn as an outer layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If shapewear garments are used to contour and support the body, then body shaping capability is improved, but moisture-wicking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple zones with different knitting characteristics. Body-shaping compression zones use tighter knitting for contouring, while motion-supporting compression zones and ventilation zones use more open knitting structures for moisture-wicking and breathability. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the garment have different material properties and compression levels. The patent applies varying knitting densities, yarn types, and stitch patterns to specific body areas based on their functional requirements. For example, higher compression is applied to areas needing shaping, while more breathable structures are used in areas requiring moisture management.
2Strength
If shapewear garments include hardware such as clasps and boning, then structural support is improved, but range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly removes traditional shapewear hardware elements such as clasps, boning, and rigid structural components. Instead, it relies on engineered compression through varying knitting densities and elastic properties of the fabric itself to provide the necessary support and shaping, thereby maintaining full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of structural support from rigid hardware-based support to flexible, engineered fabric compression. By controlling knitting density, yarn elasticity, and compression zone distribution, the garment achieves structural support equivalent to traditional shapewear but with the flexibility and range of motion of soft fabric.
3Ease of operation
If shapewear garments are made lightweight and sheer, then comfort is improved, but wearability as outer garment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the garment to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides body shaping, moisture-wicking, breathability, and sufficient opacity to be worn as an outer garment. The engineered compression zones and varied knitting structures enable the garment to perform both traditional shapewear functions and standalone athletic wear functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment uses composite knitting structures combining different yarn types, densities, and stitch patterns within a single fabric system. This creates zones with varying properties - some areas provide shaping compression while others provide moisture management and breathability, all within a unified garment that can function as outerwear.
4Ease of operation
If sports garments are designed for high-level athletes with low body fat, then motion support is improved, but body shaping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different compression levels and knitting characteristics to different body zones based on individual shaping needs rather than a uniform design. Body-shaping compression zones are strategically placed in areas where contouring is desired, while motion-supporting zones are placed in areas requiring flexibility and support during activity. This localized approach allows the garment to address both athletic performance and body contouring for diverse body types.
Data Source
AI summary
A sports garment includes a textile forming two or more compression zones. The compression zones include a motion-supporting compression zone configured to apply a first compressive force to a first area of a body and a body-shaping compression zone configured to apply a second compressive force to a second area of the body. The first compressive force supports a motion of the first area of the body. The second compressive force shapes the second area of the body.