Solair: Tech-Charging Solar Powered Unisex Windbreaker

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Solair is a solar-powered windbreaker that is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The jacket is made from lightweight, water repellant fabric that is perfect for any weather. What makes this jacket unique is the detachable solar film and wireless charger, which automatically charges your (mobile) device while it is in your pocket. The solar film allows you to stay connected no matter where you go, making it perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who likes to explore outdoors!

HOW IT WORKS OVERVIEW:

The windbreaker has a mesh pockets on the upper chest, which is used to store the users mobile device(s) safely and conveniently. (The pocket is similar to current manufactured windbreakers plus the mesh.) The customized ASCA organic solar film is attached/laminated to the outside of a double layer removeable panel (like a pillow without stuffing). A 5V wireless charger is connected to the solar film, and placed inside of the removeable panel on the body side, which has a cutout to accommodate the charger. Snaps are placed on the windbreaker and the panel to facilitate attaching and detaching.

The user wears the windbreaker like normal. They place their phone through the zipper in the upper chest, screen facing towards them. The removeable panel with solar film is snapped in place. The wireless charger is automatically positioned over the mesh, coming into contact with the mobile device, charging their device without plugging in. Their device can be easily accessed through the side of the panel (since it's attached at the corners) or they can remove the panel all together. The panel is quickly and easily unsnapped so the rest of the windbreaker can be washed.

RESEARCH STEPS:

• Need: Wearable technology has become increasing popular in recent years as people look for new ways to stay connected. One of the greatest challenges facing wearable tech is the need for a reliable power source. Many devices rely on batteries that either need to be replaced or charged regularly. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for users.
• Solution: This is where solar power comes in. Wearable technology with solar power has the potential to revolutionize the tech and fashion industry by providing a sustainable and reliable source of energy. This technology is especially important for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors, or who travel frequently, because it allows them to stay connected with their tech without worrying about battery life.
• Initial Research: After learning about the TechFashion Design Challenge 2023, I researched many current applications of wearable technology as well as solar panels to find what was currently being created. I found that many of the applications were used to charge individuals mobile devices, as keeping these devices charged is a common struggle. Many of the designs featured bulky or unattractive removable sections that held the electronic components separately to facilitate washing the rest of the garment. Storing the device that is charging in a removable section, or in an externally worn item (like a bag), is a hazard that may prevent consumers from purchasing. Current items are on the market are unattractive, inconvenient, bulky, or a create a risk of theft.
• Trend/Market Research: After my initial research, I moved to trend research to develop a marketable product. Since I wanted to integrate solar charging, I knew that the customer would likely be an outdoorsy person or a person who travels frequently. Both individuals have a need for energy when a traditional outlet is unavailable. In researching this demographic, I found that light windbreakers will be trending as they are a comfortable, easy to wear, and can be worn in many climates throughout the year. With the fashion calendar (and the upcoming release of the barbie movie), 90's nostalgia is likely to inform many upcoming fashion trends. What is more nostalgic than a 90's windbreaker?
• Materials Research: After researching, I found that a nylon ripstop material would be the best fit for this project as it is lightweight, durable, and water repellant. Nylon Ripstop is commonly used in the fabrication of ready to wear windbreakers.

PROJECT STEPS:

• Step 1: Initial Sketches

After researching which garment that would be an appropriate fit, I drew some rough sketches to figure out the style of windbreaker. I used the app procreate on iPad to create floats (3D flats) that I could visualize ideas. Eventually, these sketches would be used to inform patternmaking.

• Step 2: Patternmaking: Draft your own patterns

I started with men's size 40 slim-fit slopers that I drafted based on Alvanon's North American Men's Standard. The slopers were drafted using the textbook "Patternmaking for Menswear: Classic to Contemporary" by " ".

The slopers were drafted in Gerber Accumark CAD, but any vector based illustration program that can support DXF export can be used for drafting (like Adobe Illustrator).

The slopers were then exported to VStitcher to create the windbreaker style. I exported the pattern shapes as a.DXF file, and imported them directly to VStitcher.

Using the same patternmaking book mentioned above, use the given instructions to modify the slim fit torso sloper to a jacket sloper. From there, convert the jacket sloper to a windbreaker style. (If using commercial patterns, start here and make the following adjustments to create the pocket)

• Modify the sleeves for a raglan style.
• Divide the front torso 1.5" below the armhole.
• Copy the Upper section to another pattern piece (yoke)
• Divide the upper section of the front torso into thirds horizontally.
• Divide the middle of the three sections into three sections vertically.
• The middle panel (of the three vertical sections and three horizontal sections will be made of mesh.
• Create a 1/4 zip neckline in with the upper two horizontal sections. Update the copy (yoke) to match the 1/4 zip neckline)
• Create a kangaroo pocket
• Add seam allowance for sewing

• Step 3: Fit patterns in VStitcher (or other 3D draping software).

Use VStitcher to Virtually drape the garment on an avatar. The Alvanon North American Men's Size 40 Virual Alvaform was used for fitting. Make any necessary style adjustments. Use tension and pressure maps to gauge the fit on the virtual model.

• Step 4: Plot (or print patterns) to cut out of fabric, if using an automated cutter skip this step.

• Step 5: Cut out patterns on fabric. Cut the middle pattern piece mentioned above out of mesh. Collect materials and sewing notions.

• Step 6: Construct the Windbreaker using instructions below

SAMPLE of instructions (full order of operations will not be listed here, only relevant construction for implementation of hardware as an example of garment construction knowledge and consideration).

• Step A - Attach zipper tape to mesh, 301, LSq
• Step B - Attach zipper tape to main, 301, LSq
• Step C - Attach mesh to main, 516, SSa. Press towards Main.
• Step D - Attach upper section to constructed middle section, 516, SSa, Press towards upper section.
• Step E - Construct other side in the same way, reversing the patterns.
• Step F - Press center front of upper section and yoke for zipper. Attach lower front to constructed upper section, and YOKE, leaving a gap for the zipper - 301, LSF
• Step G - Attach female snaps to corners of mesh, matching pattern drillholes.
• Step H - Construct the rest of the jacket according to normal garment construction methods.

Removable charger panel construction:

Step A: Stitch a circular facing to create a hole the size of the wireless charger in the body side panel of the removeable charger panel.

Step B: Attach Solar Film to the outside panel of the removable charger panel.

Step C: Connect Solar Film to the wireless charger using conductive thread.

Step D: Sew both panels together, right sides together, leaving an opening big enough to turn to the right side, 301 SSa.

Step E: Turn removeable charger panel right side out, being careful of electronic components.

Step F: Coverstitch all edges of the panel, closing the opening.

Step G: Attach four male snaps to the corners of the panel on the body-side.