Segmented Garment Waistband with Variable Compression Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sport attires often compromise between functionality, such as non-restrictive motion and temperature regulation, and aesthetic appeal, particularly in waistbands where they fail to provide adequate support and comfort while minimizing the appearance of bulges.

Innovation Solution

A waistband design comprising multiple panels with varying fabric properties, where side panels offer greater compression than the front and back panels, utilizing different fabrics, coatings, or adhesive techniques to enhance support and comfort, while maintaining a visually appealing appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uniform compression is applied across all waistband panels, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but targeted muscle support and bulge reduction are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaistband construction simplicityVSAvoidmuscle support effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, and side panels) that can be constructed from different fabrics with different compression properties. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified waistband structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different panels of the waistband are made from fabrics with different compression characteristics. The side panels use higher compression fabric to target specific muscle groups and reduce bulge appearance, while front and back panels use lower compression fabric for comfort and breathability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If higher compression fabric is used in side panels, then muscle support and bulge reduction are improved, but fabric cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport and comfortVSAvoidwaistband construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband is segmented into panels that can be constructed from different fabrics. This allows the use of higher compression fabric only where needed (side panels) rather than throughout the entire waistband, balancing performance with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waistband uses a composite construction combining different fabric types in different panels. The side panels use higher compression fabric while front and back panels use lower compression fabric, creating a multi-material structure that optimizes both support and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If longer front panel vertical length is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but comfort and range of motion are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidrange of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front panel is designed with a shorter vertical length compared to traditional waistbands, optimizing it for comfort and range of motion in athletic activities. The side panels provide the necessary compression and support to maintain aesthetic appearance without requiring excessive front panel length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 improved muscle support, comfort, and performance during sports while reducing the appearance of bulges, allowing for a seamless transition between athletic and casual activities.

Implementation Method 1

the side panels provide an amount of compression greater than the front panel or back panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240358096A1Waistband for garments
Publication Date: 2024.10.31 LULULEMON ATHLETICA CANADA INC
  • US20240358096A1 patent drawing
  • US20240358096A1 patent drawing
  • US20240358096A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Waistbands and garments with waistbands are provided. The waistband has a front panel, a back panel and two side panels configured to connect the front panel and the back panel. When worn on a body, the front panel covers a portion of the body proximate to the front and waistline while the back panel covers a portion of the body proximate to the back and waistline. To provide the desired support, the two side panels provide an amount of compression greater than the front panel or back panel