Wearable Sensor Template for Body Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mass customizing clothing, such as video scanning or input models, often fail to accurately measure depth, thickness, and joint motions, leading to improper fits and high return rates of garments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable template with embedded sensors and tensile members that constrict, expand, or adapt to body contours, allowing for precise measurement of length, width, and size, and detecting tension to determine a comfortable fit, which can be communicated to a computing device for generating accurate garment outlines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If video scanning or input models are used for mass customization, then the process is automated and efficient, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to capture depth, thickness, and joint motions
Solution Approach 1:
A wearable template acts as an intermediary device between the consumer and the measurement system. The template includes tensile members with sensors that directly contact and measure body contours, translating complex 3D body geometry into measurable tension signals that can be processed automatically while maintaining high accuracy for depth, thickness, and joint motion measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools (tape measures, physical fittings) with an automated sensor-based system. Sensors embedded in tensile members detect body contours through electrical or optical signals, enabling automated data collection that maintains measurement precision while improving productivity through digital processing
2Device complexity
If traditional measurement methods are used, then the process is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for depth and joint motion parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The template is divided into multiple segments or zones, each with tensile members positioned to measure specific body parameters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while capturing complex 3D body geometry, as each segment independently measures local contours that collectively provide comprehensive depth and joint motion data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D surface measurements to 3D volumetric measurements by incorporating depth-sensing capabilities. The tensile members are configured to detect not only surface contours but also depth information and joint motions, adding dimensional complexity to the measurement capability while managing system complexity through structured sensor placement
3Device complexity
If a fixed template is used, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability deteriorates for different body contours
Solution Approach 1:
The template incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable tensile members that can be tightened or loosened, and flexible materials that conform to different body shapes. This allows the same template structure to adapt to various body contours and sizes while maintaining relatively simple construction through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The template allows adjustment of key parameters such as tensile member tension, template size, and sensor positioning to accommodate different body types. These parameter changes enable the same basic template structure to adapt to diverse body contours, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility through configurable settings
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
This solution enables accurate measurement of body dimensions, including depth and joint motions, ensuring a comfortable fit and reducing garment returns by providing a precise outline for customizing garments effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the template may comprise an elastic material that can adjust to body contours of the user. In another example, the sensors are arranged to detect an amount of tension exerted in a given area of the template
Implementation Method 2
the template may comprise an elastic material that can adjust to body contours of the user
Implementation Method 3
The template may comprise a plurality of tensile members configured to obtain body measurement information of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provide techniques for creating a template piece of clothing that can accurately determine a best “fit” of apparel on the consumer. The template may be made of a highly stretchable material with embedded sensors at various locations, wherein the sensors detect an amount of pressure exerted thereon. The template may also include embedded tensile members, such that when the template is worn by the consumer, the tensile members can constrict, expand, or otherwise adapt to the body measurements of the consumer. The template can thereby effectively measure the size and shape of the consumer wearing the template. The information regarding the size and shape of the consumer obtained by the template be outputted to a computer or other readout, and used by the consumer in determining whether corresponding apparel will fit properly.