Double-Layer Swimsuit Compression for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports garments, particularly swimsuits, face challenges in reducing surface drag and improving core stability for competitive swimmers due to limitations in fabric design and construction, which can lead to increased fatigue and drag.
Innovation Solution
A double-layered structure comprising a base layer of stretchable elasticated fabric with an inner core layer extending around the abdomen and lower back, combined with laminated panels on the outer surface, provides enhanced compression and support, reducing form drag and improving core stability through strategic placement and material selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single layer of elasticated fabric is used, then the garment is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it provides insufficient compression and core stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested double-layer structure where an inner core layer is positioned within an outer shell layer. The inner core layer extends around the abdomen and lower back, while the outer shell layer covers the torso. This nesting arrangement allows the inner layer to provide concentrated compression on core regions while the outer layer provides overall structural support, achieving enhanced compression and stability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into functionally distinct layers: an inner core layer for compression and stability, and an outer shell layer for structural support and coverage. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner layer focusing on abdominal and lower back compression while the outer layer provides overall torso coverage and structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high elastane content fabric with high stretch constant is used, then muscle vibration is reduced and fabric sliding is avoided, but the fabric may impede breathing and movement if overly tight
Solution Approach 1:
The inner core layer is strategically positioned to provide localized compression and stability support around the abdomen and lower back regions, while deliberately stopping short of the chest area to avoid impeding breathing. The layer extends upwardly on the front to the diaphragm level and on the rear to cover the lumbar region, providing core stability without restricting thoracic expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner core layer provides concentrated compression action on the core regions (abdomen and lower back) rather than uniform compression across the entire torso. This partial action approach delivers sufficient core stability and muscle vibration reduction while leaving the chest and shoulder areas free for breathing and movement.
3Strength
If the inner core layer extends fully over the chest and shoulders, then maximum compression is achieved, but breathing and shoulder movement are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The inner core layer is designed with specific spatial boundaries: it extends upwardly on the front to the diaphragm level and on the rear to cover the lumbar region, but deliberately stops short of the chest and scapula areas. This localized positioning provides compression force where needed for core stability while maintaining adaptability for breathing and shoulder movement in the upper regions.
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 solution significantly reduces surface drag and enhances core stability, allowing for improved performance in swimming and other sporting activities by providing additional support and compression, while maintaining freedom of movement and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
A double-layered structure comprising a base layer of stretchable elasticated fabric with an inner core layer extending around the abdomen and lower back, combined with laminated panels on the outer surface, provides enhanced compression and support
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes a garment (e.g. a swim suit) having a base layer of stretchable elasticated fabric, the base layer having a torso portion that covers at least a part of the torso of a person when the garment is worn. An inner core layer of stretchable elasticated fabric is bonded to the inner surface of the base layer to extend around the abdomen and lower back regions of the garment. By providing a double layer of stretchable elasticated fabric in this manner, more compression is applied to the abdomen of the person (e.g. swimmer) wearing the suit, bringing about improvements in form drag. The additional support provided to the lower back and abdomen also improves core stability, which is of benefit in many sporting activities, including swimming.