Performance garment having a realistic visual effect of abraded denim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performance garments made of high-stretch fabrics struggle to replicate the realistic visual effect of worn denim due to their fragile nature and incompatibility with conventional abrasion and printing processes used on denim fabrics, resulting in low-resolution or artificial visual effects.
Innovation Solution
A method of printing photorealistic denim weave and abrasion patterns onto performance garments using at least 50% polyester and 10% elastomeric materials, with individually designed high-resolution patterns for each fabric panel to achieve a realistic visual effect of abraded denim, including friction-free seams and anatomically enhanced abrasion patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional abrasion methods (sanding, chemical bleaching, water washing with pumice) are applied to denim fabric, then the visual effect of worn denim is achieved, but the fabric undergoes stress and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a printed pattern that replicates the visual appearance of abraded denim without physically abrading the fabric. The print pattern includes faded lines, whiskers, and honeycomb patterns that mimic natural wear, achieving the desired aesthetic while preserving fabric integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical abrasion processes (sanding, pumice washing) with a printing process. Instead of physically wearing down the fabric to create faded effects, a print pattern is applied that visually replicates these wear patterns, eliminating the damaging mechanical action
2Ease of operation
If high-stretch performance fabric is used to create skin-tight garments, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but the fabric is too fragile to withstand conventional abrasion processes and cannot achieve realistic denim appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a printed pattern that copies the visual characteristics of abraded denim, including the twill weave appearance and wear patterns. This allows high-stretch performance fabric to achieve a realistic denim look without undergoing physical abrasion that would damage the fragile material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical modification of fabric parameters (through abrasion) to visual parameter modification (through printing). The print pattern alters the visual parameters of the fabric surface to mimic denim appearance while maintaining the original fabric's stretch and comfort properties
3Manufacturing precision
If printing processes are used on performance fabric to create denim appearance, then the fabric can achieve denim visual effect, but the resolution and realism of the visual effect is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different print patterns to different regions of the garment to replicate local wear patterns. Specific areas receive faded lines, whiskers, or honeycomb patterns appropriate to their location, creating a realistic and varied denim appearance that accounts for different stress points and wear zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the print pattern before the garment is worn, pre-establishing the worn denim appearance. The print pattern is designed to mimic natural wear that would occur over time, providing an immediate realistic effect without requiring actual prolonged use to develop the appearance
4Manufacturing precision
If characteristic denim features (stitching, rivets, pockets, belt loops) are included in performance garments, then the realistic jean appearance is improved, but the garment complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the print pattern to replicate the visual appearance of characteristic denim features such as stitching lines, pocket edges, and seam details. This allows the garment to achieve a realistic jean look without actually incorporating these complex construction elements, maintaining simplicity while achieving visual fidelity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a performance garment having a realistic visual effect of being constructed from abraded denim. The performance garment comprises a number of fabric panels that are adjoined together to form the garment. Each fabric panel is made of a stretch performance fabric that contains at least 50% polyester and at least 10% of one or more elastomeric materials. Each fabric panel is printed with a pattern that provides the fabric panel with the visual effect of abraded denim. For instance, each fabric panel may be printed with an original digital pattern that was not produced from imaging a denim garment.