Materials Engineering
Flow Control / Smart Materials: Characteristics like texture, porosity, permeability, diffusion, resistance, and resilience are evaluated for wind noise reduction effectiveness across a range of wind speeds and turbulence levels. In this regard, we are the only cycling-associated company to hold a wind noise reduction utility patent (9,078,482).
Material considerations include:
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Comfort: Heat and perspiration transfer + hypoallergenic.
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Acoustics: Ambient sound transmission (i.e. transparency).
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Durability: Construction, chemical resistance, and washable.
Effectiveness is our first priority. It would be easy to make a product that looks like it works or make exaggerated technology and performance claims. That's not who we are. Our goal is to engineer wind noise reduction products that meet or exceed customer expectations. Cat-Ears / AirStreamz are the highest rated WNR products of their kind.
Smart Flow Control: Understanding the influence of permeability and thickness on flow behavior. Allowing some wind to flow through in a controlled manner ~ less overall turbulence and moisture (sweat) reduction opportunities.
Legacy Material Testing
Our original testing followed Edison's approach when he developed the first practical light bulb. We road-tested different designs and materials until we discovered the unique effectiveness of porous pile fabrics. We eventually tested about 50 different pile variations prior to the introduction of our 2012 products.
Pile Material Supplier
Our material supplier has "an in-house research and development team to create a media to meet customer requirements. The technical team has the ability to control fiber and yarn selection, pile height, density, tensile strength, width, color, and stitch count. This allows customers to develop performance fabrics for diverse and unique fabric applications." - MM
Aero-acoustic engineering helps us develop the most effective products.