Stowed Water-Resistant Layer for Breathable Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breathable apparel materials used for exercise absorb external moisture during precipitation, leading to poor functionality and lack of protection against inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
An apparel system with a stowed second layer made of water-resistant material that can be easily deployed over a breathable first layer, providing protection against precipitation while maintaining breathability and minimizing weight and bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a breathable material is used for exercise apparel, then breathability is improved, but protection against precipitation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparel system is divided into two separate layers: a breathable first layer for exercise and a water-resistant second layer for precipitation protection. This segmentation allows each layer to independently perform its specialized function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between breathability and weather protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer is stored within a pouch attached to the first layer, creating a nested configuration. When not in use, the water-resistant layer is compacted inside the pouch, minimizing bulk. When needed, it can be quickly deployed over the first layer to provide precipitation protection, maintaining both breathability and weather resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-resistant layer is added for precipitation protection, then protection against precipitation is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second water-resistant layer is nested within a pouch attached to the first layer, allowing it to be carried in a compact, space-efficient manner. This nesting approach minimizes the bulk and weight impact of carrying the additional protective layer when it is not actively being worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer appears to be designed as a thin, flexible water-resistant film or shell that can be easily stored and deployed. This thin-film approach provides necessary precipitation protection while minimizing the weight and bulk of the additional protective layer.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-resistant layer is added for precipitation protection, then protection against precipitation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the breathable and water-resistant functions into distinct layers, each with its own simple structure. The first layer remains a simple breathable exercise garment, while the second layer is a separate water-resistant component stored in an attached pouch. This segmentation keeps each individual component simple while providing combined functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first layer serves dual purposes: as the primary exercise garment and as the storage pouch for the second layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated storage components, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining both breathability and precipitation protection capabilities.
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 system allows for quick and easy transition from a stowed to a deployed position during exercise, offering effective protection against precipitation without compromising breathability or increasing the overall weight and bulk of the garment.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer (200) made of a water resistant material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an apparel system for an upper torso of a wearer (300). The apparel system may comprise a first layer (100, 200, 202) of a breathable fabric and a water resistant second layer (100, 200, 202). The second layer (100, 200, 202) may be stowed in a pocket (110, 112, 210) located on the front of the first layer (100, 200, 202). The second layer (100, 200, 202) may be transitioned from within the pocket (110, 112, 210) to cover at least a portion of the first layer (100, 200, 202) to protect the wearer (300) from external conditions. In some embodiments, the second layer (100, 200, 202) may be affixed to the first layer (100, 200, 202) at an area within the pocket (110, 112, 210). The present disclosure describes an apparel system for an upper torso of a wearer (300). The apparel system may comprise a first layer (100, 200, 202) of a breathable fabric and a water resistant second layer (100, 200, 202). The second layer (100, 200, 202) may be stowed in a pocket (110, 112, 210) located on the front of the first layer (100, 200, 202). The second layer (100, 200, 202) may be transitioned from within the pocket (110, 112, 210) to cover at least a portion of the first layer (100, 200, 202) to protect the wearer (300) from external conditions. In some embodiments, the second layer (100, 200, 202) may be affixed to the first layer (100, 200, 202) at an area within the pocket (110, 112, 210).