The Development of Fitted Sports Wear for Safety and Protection Using Conductive Yarn Embroidery

전도사 자수를 이용한 안전보호용 밀착형 스포츠웨어 개발

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop lightweight, stretchable, tight-fit smart sportswear using the conductive yarns into the garment and demonstrating its usefulness. Sportswears with the ability to control LEDs with respect to lighting of the surrounding were developed by applying embroidery with conductive yarns to 2 types of men's T-shirts and 2 types of women's leggings pants for outdoor activities and exercise purposes. LEDs were applied to the front and back of men's T-shirts and to the rear of the waist of women's leggings. Men's T-shirts were printed where the LEDs were to be applied, and inside, they were embroidered with conductive threads on the hot-melt fabric to be attached, and then connected with LED. Women's pants were embroidered on the elastic band, in the form of a sine wave that gives it ability to stretch, and finally the elastic band was hidden inside the waistband. The operation of the light sensor in the dark provided the ability to protect joggers from night drivers or cyclists. LEDs were activated when the wearer turns on the fashionable device on his/her shoulder by pressing it. It was able to reduce the risk of accidents by giving recognizability to vehicles, bicycles, and athletes approaching or passing by at night, and securing safe distance from vehicles, etc. Internal embroidery technology had the same flexible and lightweight functions as ordinary clothing products, making it possible to apply to tight-fit smart T-shirts or leggings pants designs.

Figure 1. Textile innovations(E-broidery), Forster Rohner(www.forsterrohner.com)

Figure 2. LED-Powered Climate Dress Monitors Pollution(www.inhabitat.com)

Figure 3. SpacEmotion 2014(www.diffus.dk)

Figure 4. Hexoskin (www.hexoskin.com)

Figure 11. Design of T-shirts and Leggings

Figure 12. Operating Process for T-shirts and Leggings pants

Figure 13. Device Design and Structure

Figure 15. Lighting Part Pattern Design

Figure 16. Leggings Pants Waist and Inner Elastic Band Structure

Figure 18. Wearing Satisfaction Assessment

Figure 5. Athos Smart Clothes for Peak Performance Fitness (www.urbanwearables.technology)

Figure 6. Mbody (www.myontec.com)

Figure 7. Polar Team Pro Shirt (www.polar.com)

Figure 8. Nadi-x Smart Yoga Pants (www.wearablex.com)

Figure 9. Warm X Neck Shirt (www.reiten.warmx.de)

Figure 10. Nova Ultralight LED Athletic Jacket (www.gearpatrol.com)

Figure 14. Sewing Machine and Conductive Thread

Figure 17. T-shirts Inner Structure

Table 1. T-shirts and Leggings Size

Table 2. Sensor, Battery, LEDs and CPU Specifications

Table 3. Stitch Samples Resistance

Table 4. Structure and Details of T-shirts A

Table 5. LED Lighting Images and Details of T-shirts B

Table 6. Leggings A Images and LED Device Details

Table 7. LED Lighting Images in Dark Environments(Leggings B)

Table 8. Comfort Assessment Results