Variable-Width Waistband Structure for Support Without Chafing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garments often fail to conform to the human body, leading to issues such as bunching, chafing, and discomfort due to the use of high-friction materials and one-dimensional waistbands that do not provide adequate support and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A waistband design with varying widths and elastic moduli in different portions, combined with zones of varying friction coefficients, to enhance support, prevent rolling, and reduce chafing, featuring a first narrower portion for flexibility and a second wider portion for support, with transition zones for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a uniform width waistband is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the waistband cannot conform to the human body dimensions, causing bunching and rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is divided into multiple segments with different widths: a first portion with a first width, a second portion with a second width greater than the first width, and a third portion with a third width greater than the first width. This segmentation allows each portion to conform to different anatomical regions of the body, preventing bunching and rolling while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the waistband are assigned different local qualities through varying widths. The narrower first portion provides flexibility for movement, while the wider second and third portions provide support and prevent rolling. This local differentiation enables the waistband to adapt to the varying contours of the human body without requiring a completely complex structure.
2Strength
If high-friction materials are used in the waistband, then the waistband provides better support and grip, but the materials cause chafing and discomfort against the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband incorporates different materials with varying friction coefficients in different portions. The first portion uses a first material with a first coefficient of friction, while the second portion uses a second material with a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first. This local differentiation allows the waistband to provide necessary support through higher friction in the first portion while reducing chafing in the second portion that contacts sensitive skin areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The waistband is constructed using composite materials with different friction properties. By combining a higher-friction material in the first portion with a lower-friction material in the second portion, the design achieves both support and comfort requirements simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose between these conflicting properties.
3Ease of operation
If a narrow waistband is used, then the garment has better flexibility and comfort, but the waistband cannot provide adequate support to prevent the garment from riding up or down
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is segmented into portions with different widths to simultaneously achieve flexibility and support. The narrower first portion maintains flexibility and comfort for movement, while the wider second and third portions provide the necessary support to prevent the garment from riding up or down. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing different functional requirements to different portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The width parameter of the waistband is varied across different portions to balance flexibility and support. By changing the width from narrow in the first portion to wide in the second and third portions, the design optimizes both ease of movement and structural support, preventing the garment from shifting during wear.
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 waistband design effectively conforms to the body, preventing rolling and chafing while providing enhanced support and comfort by distributing flexibility and support differently across the waistband.
Implementation Method 1
the elongation and modulus of an elastomer provided around the circumference of the waistband have been modified to create a waistband that can provide additional support in some portions and additional flexibility in other portions
Implementation Method 2
many garments are constructed of high-friction materials. Such materials can severely impact the consumer's comfort when wearing the garment because the materials can lead to chafing as the high-friction materials rub against the consumer's skin
Data Source
AI summary
A waistband for use in a garment is provided. The waistband may have a flexible body including a first portion imparted with a first width dimension, a second portion imparted with a second width dimension, and a transition portion imparted with a third width dimension. The transition portion may be disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first width dimension of the first portion may be less than the second width dimension of the second portion. Further, the third width dimension of the transition portion may be no greater than about the second width dimension.