Wearable Articles with Embedded Fidget Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fidget devices often cause distractions due to audible and visual noise, which can be detrimental to users and others, especially in social settings, and may lead to negative perceptions for individuals with special needs who use them.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fidget elements into wearable articles like shirts, sweatshirts, gloves, and pants with fabric channels or pouches that allow discreet manipulation, reducing visual and audible distractions by embedding them in strategic, less observable locations and using materials that dampen noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fidget devices are used to provide sensory feedback, then stress relief and mental focus are improved, but audible and visual distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fidget element from a separate device and embeds it within the wearable article structure itself. The fidget element is contained within a pouch or channel formed by the wearable article's layers, separating the sensory function from visible external devices while maintaining tactile accessibility through the article's surface
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable article uses flexible fabric layers to enclose the fidget element within a pouch or channel. The thin fabric material allows tactile interaction with the fidget element while dampening audible sounds and concealing visual appearance, enabling sensory feedback without the harmful distractions of traditional fidget devices
2Ease of operation
If fidget elements are made visible and recognizable, then users can easily access and manipulate them, but negative perceptions and social stigma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fidget element with the wearable article by embedding it within the article's structure. The fidget element becomes an integrated part of the clothing or accessory, combining the functional benefits of the wearable article with the therapeutic benefits of the fidget element while eliminating the social stigma associated with visible fidget devices
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fabric pouch or channel provides tactile accessibility to the fidget element while concealing its presence from external observers. The thin fabric material allows users to feel and manipulate the fidget element through the wearable article's surface without others being able to see or recognize it as a fidget device
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fidget elements are embedded in wearable articles, then visual and audible distractions are reduced, but the complexity of the wearable article increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wearable article into multiple layers to create the pouch or channel structure. The fidget element is contained within an internal pouch formed by fabric layers, allowing tactile interaction while preventing visual and audible distractions. This segmentation approach integrates the fidget function into the wearable article without requiring separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable article serves multiple functions: it provides the primary wearable function (clothing/accessory), contains and conceals the fidget element, provides tactile accessibility to the fidget element, and dampens audible sounds. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and components, managing the complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated article
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable article is provided that includes embedded fidget elements that may be manipulated by the wearer. The fidget elements can be discreetly incorporated into various locations on the wearable article such as at hemlines, pockets, and other areas accessible to the wearer of the article of clothing. Incorporating fidget elements into a wearable article reduces distractions caused by using fidget elements while also maintaining benefits such as comfort, focus, concentration, reduced stress and entertainment that fidget elements provide to the user. The type and locations of the fidget elements on a wearable article may be customized to the needs and desires of the wearer of the clothing article, as are the properties of the fidget elements themselves.