Page 345 - Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

338 Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

Fig. 13.2 Location of acceptable pressure, kPa (A) and the ranges of shaping around body and
lifting of soft tissue, cm (B).

genitalia is 2.1–8.8cm (the objective results are based on the subjective percep-
tion of participants without pressure measurement) (Kuzmichev and Zhe, 2014;
Zhe and Kuzmichev, 2014).

13.3.4 Pressure sensors
Today’s research methods of pressure measurement make use of sensors and the accu-
racy of the measurements will directly affect the evaluation results. Objective methods
are the basis and foundation of garment design. When the body is dressed in pressure
garments, the pressure sensor is located between the body and garment, and the pres-
sure value is directly measured.
The earliest methods used hydraulic U-tubes. At present, pressure tests are
mainly focused on airbag methods, optical fiber sensors, and resistance sensors
(Nishimatsu, 1988; Wong, 2002). Table 13.3 shows the more popular methods used
for testing of compression garments, with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Most of the scientific researchers prefer to use direct measurement by means of the
most popular sensors, such as the AMI airbag (Japan) and the FlexiForce A201
thin-film resistance sensor with the Wireless ELF system (USA) because they are
efficient and time-saving equipment.
Instead of a real body, the pressure can be measured on special material simulating
real soft tissue, such as cosmetic silicon. Fig. 13.3 shows an experimental stand for