Sports Apparel Lumbar Support via Segmented Elongate Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports apparel is not optimized for high-performance sports applications, particularly in providing adequate support and stability for the lower back region, which is crucial for athletes engaging in sports like swimming and rugby.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base portion at the lower back with multiple elongate support elements that extend outwardly, forming angles with the spine to provide comprehensive support and stability, using materials like thermoplastic elastomers and artificial hollow fibers to reduce drag and enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sports apparel designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but support and stability for the lower back region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel is divided into distinct functional segments: a base layer providing general coverage and multiple elongate support elements (at least three) that can be independently positioned and attached to provide targeted lumbar support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are strategically positioned to concentrate support exactly where needed - extending outwardly from a region encompassing the lower back with at least one element crossing over the spine. This local concentration of support functionality resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced reliability precisely in the critical lumbar region without requiring complete redesign of the entire apparel structure.
2Productivity
If more support elements are added to enhance performance, then athletic performance and injury prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support to the lumbar region, distribute forces across multiple attachment points to prevent injury, and can be integrated into various types of sports apparel (swimsuits, rugby apparel, etc.). This multi-functionality allows enhanced athletic performance without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements achieve multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies 'at least three' elongate support elements, allowing for partial implementation where exactly three elements provide sufficient support for many applications, while permitting additional elements if specific performance requirements demand. This flexible approach enables optimization of the support-to-complexity ratio based on individual sport and user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Articles of sports apparel may include elongate support elements. Particular examples provided are swimsuits and other sports apparel such as sports apparel for rugby football. An Article of sports apparel may include at least one base portion adapted to be arranged proximate a lower back of a user when worn, and at least three elongate support elements. The at least three elongate support elements may be arranged at the base portion such as to extend outwardly from a region at least partially encompassing the lower back of the user when worn.