Multi-elastic Knitted Belt with Localized Elasticity Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belts lack adaptability to the human body's morphology, resulting in discomfort due to uniform or inadequately varied elasticity, which existing solutions like zone-specific elastic thread distribution have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine hollow and full areas on a wearer's body and construct a belt with localized maximum elasticity zones, particularly at the back, spine, and abdominal tendons, using varying stitch structures, yarn types, openwork patterns, or surface printing with polymers or silicone to differentiate elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform elasticity is used throughout the belt, then manufacturing is simple, but comfort and adaptability to body morphology deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is designed with zones of different elasticity corresponding to different anatomical regions of the wearer's body. The front zone has higher elasticity to accommodate the abdominal area, while the back zone has lower elasticity for spinal support. This local differentiation of elastic properties resolves the contradiction by providing both comfort through adaptability and structured manufacturing zones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elasticity is increased in specific zones to match body morphology, then comfort improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into distinct functional zones (front zone with higher elasticity and back zone with lower elasticity). Each zone can be manufactured separately or integrated through continuous knitting with varied stitch patterns. This segmentation allows for controlled complexity in manufacturing while achieving the desired adaptability to body morphology.
Solution Approach 2:
The elasticity parameter is varied across different zones of the belt by changing the knit structure, yarn composition, or stitch density in specific regions. This allows precise control over the elastic properties in each zone to match anatomical requirements without requiring completely different manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more elastic threads are introduced to create elastic zones, then zone-specific elasticity is achieved, but structural uniformity and simplicity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic threads are strategically introduced only in the front zone where higher elasticity is needed, while the back zone maintains a simpler structure with fewer or no elastic threads. This local application of elastic elements achieves zone-specific adaptability while minimizing overall structural complexity.
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 belt provides optimum support and comfort by matching elasticity to anatomical zones, ensuring better fit and reduced discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the belt is constructed in a way providing at these hollow zones a belt zone having a local maximum of elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The knitted belt (1) according to the invention comprises regions (4-8) having a different elasticity over the circumference thereof, wherein some of the regions (5, 6) corresponding to relatively hollow regions (13, 11) of a user's waist have a maximum level of local elasticity, in particular in a central back region (6) and two lateral front regions (5) corresponding respectively to the spine and to the tendons linking the wearer's rectus abdominis with the external oblique muscles.