PASSIVE+ADAPTIVE+SOFT
ROLE: Computational Designer + Material Research Assistant
APPLICATION: Smart Performance Apparel
MATERIALS/METHODS: Biobased Hygroscopic Filaments + Textiles, 3D Printer, Grasshopper
INNOVATION: Self-regulating, sweat-responsive textiles
APPLICATION: Smart Performance Apparel
MATERIALS/METHODS: Biobased Hygroscopic Filaments + Textiles, 3D Printer, Grasshopper
INNOVATION: Self-regulating, sweat-responsive textiles
POWERED BY PERSPIRATION.
What if sweat could do more than be wicked away? This project explores 4D-printed fabrics that use moisture as a trigger for shape change. As sweat accumulates, printed structures enable localized ventilation, transforming a static garment into a hybrid material system that responds to the body's microclimate.
What if sweat could do more than be wicked away? This project explores 4D-printed fabrics that use moisture as a trigger for shape change. As sweat accumulates, printed structures enable localized ventilation, transforming a static garment into a hybrid material system that responds to the body's microclimate.
Mechanism 1: Adaptive Ventilation Slits
Slits automatically curl open to deliver airflow to wick sweat from the body.
Slits automatically curl open to deliver airflow to wick sweat from the body.
Mechanism 2: Tactile Texture Transformation
Programmed ripples lift fabric off the skin to minimize stickiness, chafing, and discomfort.
Programmed ripples lift fabric off the skin to minimize stickiness, chafing, and discomfort.
MAPPED TO THE HUMAN BODY
Guided by prior research, we identified areas where athletes need responsive interventions most and designed multiple mechanisms that bring function to sweat production.
Guided by prior research, we identified areas where athletes need responsive interventions most and designed multiple mechanisms that bring function to sweat production.
Body maps of absolute regional median sweat rates during rest and exercise, adapted from Coull et al. (2021).
The central back and chest serve as primary zones for sweat production. We proposed possible areas of intervention and designs to target adaptive ventilation and texture changes.
FABRICATING HYBRID MATERIALS
Through stepwise experiments, we explored how to print novel bio-based materials onto fabrics to create different shape-changing textiles.
Through stepwise experiments, we explored how to print novel bio-based materials onto fabrics to create different shape-changing textiles.
I helped:
1. Create workflow designing in Grasshopper, creating custom GCODE for desktop printing, and developed experiments for printing and testing hybrid textiles.
2. Defining print parameters for custom filaments (TPU, Nylon, and PLA hybrids with cellulose material) through rounds of filament testing
3. Selecting final fabric candidates based on their directional properties, flexibility, and compatibility with printed filament.
4. Design final demonstrators (intervention type and location) that integrated with existing apparel products.
INSPIRED BY NATURE.
Inspired by the biological structure of pinecone scales, this project builds upon research in bio-based 4D printing to create zero-energy, smart sportswear textiles that deliver dynamic thermal comfort while doing more with less.
This project was conducted alongside Dr. Tiffany Cheng, Sujie Park, and Stefan Lang for the Institute of Computational Design (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart.