Modular Apparel Attachment Elements with Hook-and-Loop Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic apparel lacks a versatile and customizable attachment system that allows for easy attachment and detachment of various elements such as foam members, fluid-filled chambers, and electronic devices, providing limited flexibility and adaptability to different activities and wearer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A textile-based attachment system incorporating a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism with incisions through multiple layers, enabling attachment elements to be securely fastened and detached from the apparel, allowing for customization and flexibility in placement and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed and integrated padding system is used in athletic apparel, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The padding system is divided into separate modular attachment elements that can be independently attached and detached from the apparel base layer. Each attachment element contains a specific padding component that can be selectively positioned, allowing the system to adapt to different protection needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where attachment elements can be moved, added, or removed based on the wearer's specific needs. This dynamic capability allows the same apparel base layer to serve multiple purposes across different activities without increasing the fundamental structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a permanently attached padding system is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of customization and adjustment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the padding into separate attachment elements with standardized fastening mechanisms, the system enables easy customization through simple attachment and detachment operations. The manufacturing process remains relatively simple as each component can be produced independently using standard manufacturing techniques, then assembled through the fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment elements are pre-equipped with fastening components during manufacturing, allowing end-users to easily customize the padding configuration without requiring complex assembly procedures. This preliminary preparation of fastening mechanisms simplifies both the manufacturing process and the subsequent customization operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular attachment system with multiple components is implemented, then the adaptability and customization options increase, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment elements are designed with universal fastening mechanisms that can be applied across different padding types and apparel configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized attachment system to support various customization options without proportionally increasing the number of unique parts, as the same fastening components serve multiple purposes across different attachment element variants.
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
Enhances the wearer's comfort and performance by providing adjustable padding and protection, accommodating different activities and preferences through modular attachment elements that can be repeatedly attached and detached.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment element may include a hook component and a loop component, wherein the hook component is releasably attachable to the loop component
Implementation Method 2
apparel may incorporate materials that attenuate compression forces (i.e., impart padding or cushioning) to provide impact protection to areas of the wearer
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pad is disclosed. The pad includes a cushion layer (706) having a first surface, a second surface, and a cushion-layer thickness (706t) between the first surface and the second surface. The pad further includes an attachment layer (710) having a third surface, a fourth surface, and an attachment-layer thickness (710t) between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the attachment layer (710) includes either a hook component or a loop component of a hook- and-loop attachment system, and wherein the third surface of the attachment layer (710) is coupled to the second surface of the cushion layer (706). A first incision (720) extending entirely through the cushion layer (706) and the attachment layer (710), from the first surface to the fourth surface; and a second incision (722) that is collinear with the first incision (720) and that extends entirely through the cushion layer (706) and the attachment layer (710), from the first surface to the fourth surface. Further, the pad includes a connecting portion (732) separating an end of the first incision (720) from an end of the second incision (722), the connecting portion (732) including a portion of the cushion layer (706) and a portion of the attachment layer (710).