Uniform Compression Garment with Segmented Elastane Fabric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional compression garments apply uneven pressure to different body parts and vary in compression force across different body types within the same size range, leading to inadequate support and recovery after physical exertion.

Innovation Solution

A compression garment designed with a plurality of stretchable fabric segments that apply a uniform compression force across the body, manufactured using model measurements and a pattern equation to ensure consistent elongation and modulus of elasticity, utilizing 22-30% elastane fibers for balanced stretch in both length and width directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional compression garments are manufactured using standard sizing, then they can be easily produced and worn, but they apply uneven pressure to different body parts and vary in compression force across different body types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression force uniformityVSAvoidgarment design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The garment is divided into multiple fabric segments with different elastane percentages (22-30%) positioned at specific body locations. Each segment is designed to provide a specific modulus of elasticity tailored to the anatomical requirements of that body part, enabling uniform compression force distribution across the entire body while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the garment incorporate different elastane fiber percentages (ranging from 22-30%) to create location-specific mechanical properties. This local variation in material composition allows each body part to receive the precise compression force needed, transforming the garment from a uniform piece into a customized compression system that adapts to different body types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If compression garments apply graduated compression with greater pressure at extremities, then they address swelling at specific locations, but they fail to provide uniform support across the entire body for overall recovery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression force distributionVSAvoidrecovery effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The garment systematically varies the elastane fiber percentage parameter across different fabric segments, creating a gradient of modulus of elasticity values. This parameter variation enables the garment to apply appropriate compression forces at different body locations - higher at extremities for swelling control, while maintaining sufficient support throughout the entire body for comprehensive recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the same garment size is used for different body types, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but the compression force varies significantly between individuals with different body proportions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody type adaptabilityVSAvoidcompression force consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The garment design incorporates multiple fabric segments with varying elastane percentages that can adapt to different body types within the same size category. This multi-functional approach allows a single garment size to effectively serve individuals with different body proportions by providing location-specific compression adjustments through the segmented fabric structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 garment provides consistent and precise compression, promoting quick recovery, reduced swelling, and improved muscle support across a wide range of body types, ensuring uniform power output and reduced muscle damage.

Implementation Method 1

Compression garments are generally comprised of one or more stretchable fabric segments characterized by a particular modulus of elasticity. When a wearer places the garment on his or her body, the fabric stretches around various body parts and applies a compressive force to the body parts.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing 22-30% elastane fibers for balanced stretch in both length and width directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic Recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS8548622B2Uniform compression garment and method of manufacturing garment
Publication Date: 2013.10.01 UNDER ARMOUR INC
  • US8548622B2 patent drawing
  • US8548622B2 patent drawing
  • US8548622B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a compression garment comprises obtaining a plurality of model measurements at various locations on a model body. Thereafter, a plurality of garment dimensions are calculated for various locations on the garment. Each calculation of a garment dimension is based at least in part on one of the plurality of model measurements and at least in part on a target elongation for the garment. In at least one embodiment, calculations for various garment dimensions are performed by inserting the plurality of model measurements into a pattern equation that includes a model measurement variable and a target elongation variable. After calculating garment dimensions, a plurality of fabric segments are prepared for the garment based on the calculated dimensions. Each of the plurality of fabric sections comprise elastane and are characterized by a modulus of elasticity.