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 physical activities like golf swings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating stretch panels made from materials with higher stretch properties into strategic regions of the garment, such as the torso and sleeves, to accommodate the athlete's movements.
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 from elastomeric material in specific regions (back portion adjacent to sleeve attachment and extension portion across the armpit area) while the rest of the garment remains made from non-stretch material. This localized application of stretch properties allows movement freedom in high-tension areas during golf swings while maintaining overall structural stability of the garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment combines two different materials: a non-stretch material for the main body and an elastomeric stretch material for the stretch panels. This composite construction allows the garment to simultaneously provide structural stability from the non-stretch material and movement accommodation from the stretch material, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If stretch panels are added to the garment, then movement freedom is improved, but the garment complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct segments: non-stretch panels for the main body and stretch panels for specific movement areas. The stretch panel itself is segmented into a back portion and an extension portion that wraps around the armpit area. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall construction process compared to making the entire garment from stretch material.
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 stretch panels allow for unconstrained movements, enhancing the athlete's performance by aligning with the natural range of motion during activities, thereby improving comfort and functionality.
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 including at least one stretch panel incorporated into the garment. The garment includes a torso portion having a front and back side, a right sleeve attached to the portion, and a left sleeve attached to the torso portion. The at least one stretch panel includes a stretch panel positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the right or left sleeve is attached to the torso portion, or a stretch panel positioned at least partially on a forearm portion of the right or left sleeve.