Upper-Torso Knit Zoning for Targeted Support and Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper-torso garments, such as sports bras, lack variability in knit structures that can effectively manage properties like flexural rigidity, elongation, compression, breathability, and elasticity, leading to inconsistent fit and support.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating varying amounts of tuck binder courses and interlocking crossovers in different knit zones within the garment's knit structure to create zones with specific mechanical properties, such as varying densities of tuck binder stitches and interlocking crossovers to achieve desired fit and support characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a uniform knit structure is used throughout the garment, then manufacturing is simple, but the garment cannot provide differentiated mechanical properties (flexural rigidity, elongation, compression) in different zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical property variabilityVSAvoidknit structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The garment is divided into multiple knit zones (first knit zone, second knit zone, third knit zone) with different tuck binder course configurations. Each zone has specific mechanical properties tailored to its functional requirements, allowing the garment to provide differentiated support, compression, and flexibility in different anatomical regions while managing complexity through systematic zonal division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different knit zones incorporate varying densities of tuck binder courses and interlocking crossovers to create localized mechanical properties. The first knit zone has higher tuck binder density for maximum support, the second zone has moderate density for balanced properties, and the third zone has lower density for flexibility and comfort, allowing each region to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If tuck binder courses are increased to improve compression and support, then mechanical support is enhanced, but breathability and elasticity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression and supportVSAvoidbreathability and elasticity reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Tuck binder courses are strategically distributed with varying densities across different knit zones rather than uniformly throughout the garment. The first knit zone uses higher density for maximum compression and support where needed, while the second and third zones use moderate and lower densities respectively to maintain breathability and elasticity in regions requiring flexibility and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The garment is segmented into zones with different tuck binder configurations, allowing high compression zones to provide necessary support while low compression zones maintain breathability and stretch. This segmentation enables the garment to simultaneously achieve high support where required and maintain comfort properties where flexibility is prioritized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12553160B2Upper torso garment with varied tuck binder knit structure

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 NIKE INC

AI summary

An upper-torso garment includes a first knit zone and a second knit zone. The first knit zone includes a knit structure with a single course of tuck binder stitches and having a first amount of flexural rigidity, and the second knit zone includes a knit structure with a plurality of tuck binder courses and having a second amount of flexural rigidity, which is different than the first amount of flexural rigidity.