Stretch-Panel Garment Structure for Unconstrained Athletic Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional athletic garments, such as those worn by golfers, lack sufficient stretch properties, constraining the athlete's movements and impairing performance during activities that require wide ranges of motion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating strategically placed stretch panels made of materials with higher stretch properties into the garment, particularly in regions that experience tension during athletic movements, such as the torso and sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional non-stretch materials are used for the entire garment, then the garment maintains structural stability and durability, but the athlete's movements are constrained and performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates stretch panels made of elastomeric material in specific high-tension regions (armpits, side seams, sleeve attachments) while maintaining non-stretch construction in other areas. This localized application of different material properties allows movement freedom where needed while preserving structural stability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment combines two distinct materials: a non-stretch outer shell material and an elastomeric stretch panel material. The stretch panels are constructed from materials with elastic properties that allow significant deformation and recovery, creating a composite structure that balances stability and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If stretch panels are incorporated into the garment, then athletic movements are accommodated freely, but the garment construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct panels: non-stretch panels for the majority of the garment body and stretch panels for specific high-tension zones. The stretch panels are positioned at strategic locations including armpit areas, side seams, and sleeve attachment regions, allowing independent optimization of each segment's properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretch panels are designed with elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adapt to the athlete's movements. The elastomeric material stretches during athletic motions and returns to its original shape, providing adaptive flexibility without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 incorporation of stretch panels allows for unconstrained movements, enhancing athletic performance by accommodating the natural motions of the athlete without hindrance.
Implementation Method 1
a stretch panel, constructed from a second material having a greater stretch property than the first material
Data Source
AI summary
A garment comprising a first garment region comprising a first material comprising a lightweight material; a second garment region comprising a second material comprising a stretchable fabric; and a third garment region comprising a third material comprising a durable material that is more waterproof or water-resistant than the first and second materials.