Webbed Reflective Wear Structure for Breathable Elastic Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of wear incorporating reflective materials compromise breathability and elasticity, limiting their effectiveness in enhancing visibility while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of lightweight, minimalist reflective articles of wear featuring a webbed structure with elastomeric material and embedded reflective components, including adjustable securing mechanisms and apertures, which allow for increased visibility without significant weight or coverage, and maintain breathability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective materials are incorporated into articles of wear to increase visibility, then visibility is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reflective materials selectively to specific high-visibility areas (shoulder straps, side panels, back portions) rather than covering the entire article of wear. This localized application maintains breathability in non-reflective areas while achieving sufficient visibility enhancement through strategic placement of reflective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines reflective materials with breathable base fabrics to create composite articles of wear. The reflective components (sheets, strips, or coatings) are integrated with mesh or breathable fabric substrates, allowing light reflection for visibility while maintaining air permeability through the breathable fabric structure.
2Illumination intensity
If reflective materials are incorporated into articles of wear to increase visibility, then visibility is improved, but elasticity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Reflective materials are applied to areas that do not require high elasticity (outer surfaces, panels), while elastic materials are used in areas requiring stretch and flexibility (shoulder straps, side panels). This spatial differentiation allows the article to maintain overall elasticity while providing visibility enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining reflective materials with elastic base fabrics. The reflective components are integrated with elastic mesh or stretch fabrics, creating a material system that provides both visibility enhancement and elastic properties necessary for comfort and fit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reflective materials are limited to small portions of the article to maintain breathability, then breathability is preserved, but visibility enhancement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric placement of reflective materials, concentrating them on areas most visible to observers (front, back, and side panels) while minimizing coverage on areas less visible when worn. This asymmetric distribution achieves maximum visibility enhancement with minimal material coverage, preserving breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends reflective coverage across multiple dimensions and surfaces of the article of wear (front panels, back portions, shoulder straps, side panels) rather than limiting to single areas. This multi-dimensional placement ensures visibility from various angles while maintaining overall breathability through strategic spacing and material selection.
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
These articles provide enhanced visibility, breathability, and comfort by using elastomeric materials with embedded reflective components, allowing for flexible fit and adjustable grip, while minimizing the negative effects on elasticity and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of retroreflective components are coupled to a second surface of the plurality of intersecting strands
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of intersecting strands includes a first surface and second surface. Each strand of the plurality of intersecting strands has a length and has a width, where the width is less than the length
Data Source
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AI summary
Reflective articles of wear are disclosed. The reflective articles of wear (2400) can include a continuous webbed structure of elastomeric material and reflective components coupled to the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material forms a plurality of apertures (2453).