Support Garment Testing System Using Motion Tracking Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Historically, it has been difficult to assign a reproducible and measurable level of support provided by a support garment to a wearer's breasts, relying on subjective determinations by fit models rather than objective methods.
Innovation Solution
A support garment testing system utilizing a torso form with integrated sensors, a motion platform, and a computing system to analyze displacement data, allowing for the objective assessment of support levels by comparing breast displacement with and without the garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fit model's perception is used to determine support level, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the measurement is subjective and not reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective assessment method (fit model's perception) with an optical measurement system (infrared thermal cameras and motion capture technology). This substitution enables objective, quantitative measurement of breast displacement and support level, eliminating the subjectivity and unreproducibility of manual assessment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated data collection and analysis.
2Measurement precision
If objective measurement methods are implemented, then support level can be measured reproducibly, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional testing apparatus that integrates infrared thermal imaging, motion capture, and computational analysis capabilities into a single system. This universal platform can assess multiple support levels and garment types using the same hardware infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D model of the breast and garment interaction based on captured motion and thermal data. This digital replica allows repeated measurements and analyses without physically altering the test subject or garment, enabling reproducible measurements while simplifying the physical testing setup through computational modeling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various breast sizes are accommodated, then the system becomes more versatile, but the complexity of adjusting breast structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable breast forms with variable mass and volume configurations that can be quickly modified to represent different breast sizes. These dynamic structures allow the same testing apparatus to accommodate diverse breast types by simply adjusting the form's parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed configurations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a support garment testing system comprising a torso form having a motion tracking sensor associated with one or more breast structures of the torso form. A support garment is secured to the torso form, and the torso form is mounted on a motion platform that, when actuated, causes displacement of the breast structures. The amount of displacement is measured by the sensor, and the data is used to assign a level of support provided by the support garment.