Layered Thumbhole Cuff Structure for Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeve designs fail to effectively block undesirable air flow into the sleeve when a thumbhole is not in use, leading to discomfort and environmental permeability issues.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve cuff design featuring a thumbhole aperture formed between overlapping panels, where a distal panel and an anterior panel are affixed to the sleeve, allowing for a closed configuration to reduce permeability and an open configuration to snugly fit around a thumb, using elastic materials for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sleeve cuff is designed with a thumbhole aperture, then ease of operation is improved for thumb insertion, but air flow permeability increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve cuff employs dynamic panels that can transition between overlapping configurations. The distal panel and anterior panel are positioned to overlap in a closed state, blocking air flow, and can be manually manipulated to open and form a thumbhole aperture when needed, providing both protection and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve cuff is divided into multiple independent panels (distal panel, anterior panel, and additional panels) that can be independently positioned and overlapped. This segmentation allows the creation of a closed protective barrier when panels are overlapped and an open aperture when panels are separated, resolving the contradiction between permeability and ease of operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If panels are overlapped to block air flow, then environmental permeability is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlapping panel structure serves multiple functions: it blocks air flow and environmental elements when closed, forms a thumbhole aperture when opened, and provides structural integrity to the sleeve cuff. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving permeability control
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 design provides a snug fit around a thumb, reducing air and environmental permeability, while allowing for ease of thumb insertion and movement, enhancing user comfort and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic materials for flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve cuff is provided for a sleeve including an anterior patch affixed to the sleeve and covering at least a portion of a cutout in the sleeve, a distal strap affixed to the sleeve and spanning over at least a portion of a cutout in the sleeve, and the distal strap overlapping at least a portion of the anterior patch to form an aperture for receiving a thumb therethrough. The sleeve cuff has a plurality of configurations, including at least a closed configuration where the aperture is closed and minimizes the wearer's exposure to wind and air elements therethrough, and an opened configuration where the aperture is opened and minimizes the air penetration around the received thumb.