Laminated Panel Swimsuit Reducing Drag via Local Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimsuits for competitive swimmers face challenges in reducing surface and form drag, while maintaining sufficient flexibility and support to enhance performance and prevent water buildup, which can lead to fatigue and increased drag.
Innovation Solution
The use of laminated panels made from high-stretch, low-drag materials on specific areas of the swimsuit, such as the torso and legs, combined with strategic panel placement and a low-profile zip fastener, to reduce surface drag and provide support without hindering movement, along with edging strips for a snug fit at openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If high-stretch constant fabric is used to press firmly against the body, then water entry between suit and body is reduced, but fabric sliding over skin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different body regions. High-stretch constant fabric is used in areas requiring compression (torso, thighs) to prevent water entry, while lower-stretch fabric is used in areas prone to sliding (calves, lower legs) to maintain grip on the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The swimsuit is divided into multiple fabric zones with different stretch constants. The garment comprises a first fabric for the torso and upper thighs, and a second fabric for the lower legs, allowing each segment to address specific local requirements rather than using a uniform material throughout.
2Stress or pressure
If seams are introduced across stretch fabric to increase tensioning, then stretchability is reduced in transverse direction, but suit flexibility and range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional seam construction that follows the body's contours and muscle architecture. Seams are routed to accommodate natural body movements and stretching patterns, allowing the suit to maintain tensioning in compression zones while preserving flexibility in movement zones through strategic seam placement and angling.
Solution Approach 2:
Different seam configurations and densities are applied to different body regions. High-tensioning seams are concentrated in areas requiring compression (torso, upper thighs), while seam density is reduced or routing is optimized in areas requiring greater flexibility (lower legs, joints) to maintain range of motion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof material is applied to openings to prevent water intrusion, then water entry is reduced, but breathability and water venting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Waterproof or water-resistant material is applied selectively to specific opening areas where water intrusion is most problematic (such as the upper portions of leg openings and armholes), while leaving other portions of the openings uncovered to maintain breathability and allow water to vent away from the body during swimming.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening regions are segmented into waterproof zones and breathable zones. The waterproof material covers only the critical areas adjacent to the body where water entry occurs, while the remaining opening areas remain open for air circulation and water drainage, creating a functional gradient across the opening perimeter.
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
This design significantly reduces surface and form drag, enhances muscle power generation, and improves stroke execution by providing targeted compression and stability, while allowing for efficient movement and venting of water, leading to improved performance in competitive swimming.
Implementation Method 1
The panels are formed of a material having a higher stretch constant than that of the underlying base layer and are applied to areas of the torso in which it is desired for the suit to be more tensioned when worn
Implementation Method 2
The material for the panels is selected to have an outer surface that is more 'slippery' (i.e. exhibits lower surface drag in water) than the underlying base layer
Data Source
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AI summary
This application describes garments (2), for example swim suits or other sports or athletic garments, in which a plurality of panels (10-22 & 30-44) are laminated on the outer surface of a base layer (4) of stretchable elasticated fabric to offer (in the case of a swim suit) improved performance for competitive swimmers through a reduction in surface drag, a reduction in form drag and/or improved stability in the water.