DESIGN NAME: i. Dummy
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Innovative Fitting System
INSPIRATION: The inspiration of the product is to have one flexible dummy that can replace many fixed sized dummies used in the fashion industry.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The i.Dummy project was conceived by Dr. Allan C.K.Chan of the Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This was done as dummies are vitally used in the fashion industry for design and fitting and they are often available in single size and shape. Even when they are billed as a certain size, their shape and physical profiles can be variedly different. Coupled with various differences of many ethnicities, the finding of a dummy that can adequately represent the person has remains difficult. This product, i.Dummy can change its shape, size and proportion via a dedicated PC client software in three dimensions; lengths, widths and thicknesses (girths) making it truly representative of the people or customers intended to fit. Hence, it can flexibly fit a vast range of sizes of multi-nationality. Moreover, it can be used for custom-designing suitable for haute couture.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: 1. Pre-set Sizes: Size dimensions of the Client (Fashion Brand) are given to the company and the dimensions are build in during the last stage of production. As sizes and dimensions are unique for every client, it will be different from each of them. When the Brand wants to fit a certain size, say Size 8 UK, the operator just click that Size from the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and the i.Dummy will automatically change to the required Size and dimensions. Next when the operator wants to fit a Size 12 garment, he/she can click on the Size 12 icon and the i.Dummy actuates into the required Size/dimensions. Multi-sizes can be performed this way.
2. Free Sizes: As for this no pre-set sizes are made. Customers can input and save their own free dimensions. This is especially good for haute couture or high fashion design to their required shape and dimensions.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The research has taken 4 years in the making where detail literature and study was made on the size and anthropometric profiles of a number of nationalities. Sizing systems of these countries (USA, UK, Japan, Hong Kong) were studied. The successful prototype was unveiled to the media in March 2013. It was exhibited at the Fashion Week, Spring Summer in July 2013 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The study of size charts of various countries and brands is firstly done. This stage enables one to understand the distribution of various sizes published by various national bodies and used by different apparel companies. Next, analyzing scanned body profiles of many subjects of the female population so that their morphological changes can be registered. It can be noted, no matter what ethnic background we are, we are mostly proportionate, hence, the final product can be used world-wide.
Deciding on the mechanism of the product is the next step. It has to be mechatronics, meaning the use of mechanics driven by electronic means. Various panels are designed for every possible means of bodily change, such as chest, bust, waist, hips, neck, natural waist length, waist to hips length, etc. Besides changes to the bust sizes and abdomen are given movement allowances.
Dedicated software is written for driving the actuators and panels of the i.Dummy. The graphical user interface allows easy changes to the sizes and dimension desired of the resultant shape and measurements of the body.
In the production process, the metal parts are sourced from CNC fabricators, actuators and electronic parts from appropriate suppliers and the plastic panels from plastic molders. All the parts are assembled into the final product in China.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The physical dimension is basically the same as a female figure, ranging from a Size 6 to Size 16 (UK equivalent). It has a range of Bust, 78 to 100 cm), Waist, 63 to 84 cm, Hips, 87 to 111 cm, and increase of the back length (7th Cervical to Waist) of 9 cm range.
TAGS: robotic mannequin, innovative size fitting system, custom-fit design, i.Dummy, international fit for fashion industry
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This product is the results of a research project into the design and development of a robotic mannequin for the fashion industry. The objective was to design and development an interactive mannequin for fashion fitting.
Mannequins are indispensable tools in the fashion industry which are used for apparel design, fitting, alteration, and size gradation. However, a number of set-sized mannequins are needed for one complete size range. An automatically adjustable robotic mannequin has been developed. The initial shape of the mannequin was developed through the initial shape design by 3-D scanning body profile data preparation, cross-section level design and B-spline curve construction whereas the initial shape is the original shape of the mannequin, from which various shapes can be generated. The parametric mannequin is then divided into pieces of panels to study the shape variation and the movements of the panels are defined with the use of kinematic design.
CHALLENGE: The creative challenge is to have "one" entity that can change its size, shape and proportion into "many" thus mimicking the bodily profiles of the range of people. It has to be as true as possible. This product also allows "customization of minor measurements" down to 0.1 cm at a step and is good for physical changes of the human body profile over time.
ADDED DATE: 2014-09-25 21:23:55
TEAM MEMBERS (6) : The designer/inventor: Dr. Allan C.K. Chan. , The designer/inventor(mechatronics): Dr. Steven Peng , The designer/inventor(software advice) : Dr. A. Luximon , General Manager: Ms. Kylie Chan, Project Manager: Mr. Gordon Wong, and Mechanical Engineer: Mr. Simon Wong
IMAGE CREDITS: Dr.Allan Chan (PolyU) /Winswin Ltd. (HK), 2014.
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