Multi-layer flexible fabric and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-layer flexible fabric and a preparation method thereof, which comprises at least two layers of flexible fabric, each layer of flexible fabric being provided with a conductive pattern composed of multiple rows or columns of conductive yarns, and the conductive patterns between adjacent fabrics are staggered with each other; after the conductive pattern is damaged by impact, a short circuit will occur, and by collecting the resistance signal changes of the conductive patterns in each row and column in the two adjacent layers of flexible fabric, the damaged rows and columns can be identified respectively, thereby locating the impact position. The specific preparation method comprises weaving impact-resistant flexible fabric, embroidering conductive patterns and finishing and assembling. The prepared multi-layer flexible fabric has excellent softness and lightness, and at the same time has impact sensing ability and impact resistance. The preparation method is simple and inexpensive, and is suitable for various impact sensing scenarios such as spacecraft and smart wearable devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of intelligent sensing and protective materials, and particularly relates to a multi-layer flexible fabric and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Impact-resistant protective materials are widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, and automotive construction. Given the stringent requirements for lightweight structures in modern equipment, impact-resistant protective materials have gradually shifted from traditional metals to newer, lightweight, high-strength materials. High-performance fiber fabrics, with their high strength and stiffness, are considered a new generation of protective materials, combining lightweight properties with excellent impact resistance. Furthermore, their unique flexibility and excellent deformability allow them to conform to a variety of complex surfaces and are effectively used in human protection applications.

[0003] With the progress of intelligent equipment, many application scenarios have put forward the requirement of being able to identify and perceive impact loads and impact damage. For example, in the space environment where spacecraft are in long-term service, it is necessary to perceive ultra-high-speed impact events of space debris and the scope of damage caused by the impact. Most of the existing impact sensing technologies are based on piezoelectricity, strain, optics, sound waves and other methods to implement real-time monitoring of impact events. However, their signals are easily interfered with by the external environment, and they are unable to detect and evaluate the severity of impact events. More importantly, the currently known impact-resistant protective materials and impact-sensing materials are two independent materials, which is not conducive to achieving lightweight and improving reliability. Based on the advantages of high-performance fiber fabrics in impact resistance, there is an urgent need to develop a flexible fabric material that integrates impact sensing and protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-layer flexible fabric and a preparation method thereof in response to the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, so as to solve the current technical problems of being unable to accurately detect and evaluate the severity of impact events due to the external environment, and being unable to provide real-time impact data and evaluation.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric comprises the following steps:

[0007] S1. Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics using fiber materials;

[0008] S2, embroidering a conductive pattern on the flexible fabric obtained in step S1 using conductive yarn;

[0009] S3. Fix the flexible fabric embroidered in step S2 on a water-soluble backing cloth, then soak it in water to dissolve it, and air-dry it as the first layer; then stack multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns orthogonally on top of the first layer in sequence, and finally obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

[0010] Preferably, the fiber material is any one of carbon fiber, aramid fiber, basalt fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, glass fiber, and alumina fiber.

[0011] Preferably, each layer of flexible fabric uses a different fiber material.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible fabric has a weave structure of plain, satin or twill.

[0013] Preferably, the thickness of each layer of flexible fabric is 0.25-0.6 mm and the surface density is 100-480 g·m -2 .

[0014] Preferably, the conductive yarn is metal fiber, carbon fiber and conductive polymer fiber.

[0015] Preferably, the diameter of the conductive yarn is 70-300 D.

[0016] Preferably, the conductive patterns between rows and columns on the flexible fabric are interrupted with a spacing of 0.5-1 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the conductive pattern is in the shape of a U, a F or a S.

[0018] Another technical solution of the present invention is a multi-layer flexible fabric.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] A method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric. When a protective material is subjected to an impact, traditional methods are often unable to accurately detect and evaluate the severity of the impact event due to external environmental problems, and are unable to provide real-time impact data and evaluation. This makes it impossible to fully understand the impact of the impact on the protective effect in practical applications. The present invention uses fiber materials to weave an impact-resistant flexible fabric, and uses multiple layers of flexible fabric with a conductive pattern to be orthogonally stacked. The whole process is simple, and the process flow of weaving the impact-resistant flexible fabric, embroidering the conductive pattern, and finishing and assembling is clear. The overall fabric combines the impact resistance advantages of high-performance fibers and the sensing function of the conductive pattern. The prepared multi-layer flexible fabric has excellent softness and lightness, and at the same time has impact sensing ability and impact resistance. The preparation method is simple and inexpensive, and is suitable for various impact sensing scenarios such as spacecraft and smart wearable devices.

[0021] Furthermore, high-performance fibers such as carbon fiber are selected to weave multi-layer flexible fabrics, so that the fabrics have the advantages of impact resistance, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance.

[0022] Furthermore, each layer of flexible fabric is provided with different fiber materials, which can combine the advantages of different fibers, making the overall protective performance of the fabric more superior.

[0023] Furthermore, the use of different organizational structures can make flexible fabrics have different characteristics. Plain fabrics are strong, wear-resistant, stiff and flat. Twill fabrics are soft, thicker and denser than plain weave. Satin fabrics have a flat, smooth and lustrous surface. Longer floats can form a bright surface, which is more likely to reflect light.

[0024] Furthermore, the thickness of each layer of flexible fabric is set to 0.25~0.6 mm, and the surface density is set to 100~480 g·m -2 , making the overall weight light and flexible.

[0025] Furthermore, by selecting conductive yarns such as metal fibers to embroider conductive yarns, the conductivity, flexibility, and environmental stability of the conductive yarns can be utilized to ensure the impact sensing ability of the overall multi-layer flexible fabric.

[0026] Furthermore, the conductive pattern is embroidered with conductive yarn with a wire diameter of 70~300 D, which makes the pattern clearer, more flexible, and has excellent conductive function.

[0027] Furthermore, the distance between two rows of conductive patterns is set to 0.5-1 mm and they are discontinuous with each other, which can ensure the impact sensing function of each row of conductive patterns.

[0028] Furthermore, the conductive pattern can be designed to be in the shape of a U, a F, or a Y, and different patterns can be selected according to the requirements of sensing accuracy.

[0029] A multi-layer flexible fabric comprises at least two layers of flexible fabric, each layer of which is provided with a conductive pattern consisting of multiple rows or columns of conductive yarns, and the conductive patterns of adjacent fabrics are interlaced. When the conductive pattern is damaged by an impact, a short circuit occurs. By collecting the resistance signal changes of the conductive patterns in each row and column in the two adjacent layers of flexible fabric, the damaged rows and columns can be identified respectively, thereby locating the impact position.

[0030] To sum up, due to the strict requirements of modern equipment for lightweight, impact-resistant protective materials are gradually shifting from traditional metal materials to new lightweight and high-strength materials. The multi-layer flexible fabric prepared by the present invention not only has superior softness and lightness, but also has impact perception and impact protection performance. The preparation method is simple and cost-effective. It has unique flexibility and deformability, which enables it to adapt to complex surfaces and can be effectively used in the field of protection. It is suitable for impact perception scenarios such as spacecraft and smart wearable devices.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings to be used in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of flexible fabric integrating impact sensing and protection;

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the embroidery process of a conductive pattern on a layer of flexible fabric;

[0035] Figure 3 shows examples of conductive pattern types, where (a) is a straight line, (b) is a square line, and (c) is a circle line.

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the sensing principle of the present invention.

[0037] Among them, 1. flexible fabric; 2. lining cloth; 3. conductive yarn; 4. needle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, all the embodiments and preferred implementation methods mentioned herein can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, all technical features and preferred features mentioned herein can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, percentages (%) or parts refer to percentages by weight or parts by weight relative to the composition.

[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the components involved or their preferred components can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution.

[0043] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the numerical range "a-b" is an abbreviation for any combination of real numbers between a and b, where a and b are both real numbers. For example, the numerical range "6-22" indicates that all real numbers between "6-22" are listed herein, and "6-22" is merely an abbreviation for these numerical combinations.

[0044] The "range" disclosed in the present invention is in the form of lower limit and upper limit, which can be one or more lower limits, and one or more upper limits respectively.

[0045] In the present invention, the term "and / or" used herein refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes these combinations.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, each reaction or operation step can be carried out sequentially or in accordance with the order. Preferably, the reaction method herein is carried out sequentially.

[0047] Unless otherwise indicated, the professional and scientific terms used herein are the same as those familiar to those skilled in the art. In addition, any method or material similar or equivalent to the described content can also be applied to the present invention.

[0048] The present invention provides a multi-layer flexible fabric and a preparation method thereof, and produces a multi-layer flexible fabric that integrates impact sensing and protection. The sensing and detection functions of the sensor are combined with the superior protective performance of the fabric itself, and the resistance signal is converted into usable information, thereby achieving the purpose of locating the damage position. The flexible fabric is obtained with strong protective performance, light weight, and integrated intelligent sensing and protection. This design that integrates sensing technology with protective materials combines sensing function with protective performance to create a more intelligent and efficient protective product.

[0049] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2The present invention provides a multi-layer flexible fabric, comprising at least two layers of flexible fabric 1. The first layer of flexible fabric 1 is arranged on a lining cloth 2. Conductive yarns 3 are arranged in multiple rows or columns on each layer of protective flexible fabric 1. The conductive yarns 3 are arranged on the flexible fabric 1 in multiple rows or columns using a needle 4 to form a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns between adjacent flexible fabrics 1 are arranged in an interlaced manner. The conductive patterns are embroidered on the flexible fabric 1 by embroidery, thereby achieving the purpose of integrated perception and protection, and obtaining a perception-protection flexible fabric.

[0050] The conductive pattern of a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection will be broken after being damaged by an impact. By collecting the resistance signal changes of the conductive patterns in each row and column of two adjacent layers of flexible fabric, the damaged rows and columns can be identified separately, thereby locating the impact position.

[0051] The present invention provides a method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric, comprising the following steps:

[0052] S1. Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics

[0053] According to the requirements of impact resistance, suitable fiber materials are selected and the fabric structure diagram is designed. Then, the warp yarns are wound parallel to the warp beam, and then inserted into the corresponding drop wires, healds and reeds in sequence. The weaving is completed on the machine through the opening movement, weft insertion, beating-up and warp delivery processes. Finally, the multi-layer impact-resistant flexible fabric is cut and finished.

[0054] The fiber material of the single layer is woven from any one of carbon fiber, aramid fiber, basalt fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, glass fiber, and alumina fiber, and each layer can be set to a different fiber material.

[0055] S2. Embroidering conductive patterns

[0056] See also Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, a conductive pattern was designed using computer embroidery design software. The stitch type, density, length, and direction parameters were set. A layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining were then flatly fixed on the embroidery frame of the embroidery machine. The embroidery needle was controlled to move up and down according to the set program and parameters, and a conductive pattern was embroidered on the impact-resistant flexible fabric with conductive yarn.

[0057] The fabric structure can be plain, satin or twill, with a single-layer fabric thickness of 0.25-0.6 mm and an area density of 100-480 g·m -2 .

[0058] S3, finishing and assembly

[0059] The embroidered layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth are soaked in water to dissolve, and then air-dried; finally, the multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns are stacked orthogonally together to obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

[0060] The conductive yarn is arranged on the flexible fabric by embroidery. It can be any one of metal fiber, carbon fiber and conductive polymer fiber, and the yarn thickness is 70~300 D.

[0061] The conductive pattern is any one of a U-shaped, a F-shaped, and a I-shaped, and the conductive patterns between each row and each column are interrupted with a spacing of 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0062] See also Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the damage to a row or column of the conductive pattern of the first and second layers of protective flexible fabrics when the flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection is damaged by impact. ○ indicates that the conductive yarn is not damaged, and × indicates that the conductive yarn is damaged. The intersection of the two groups of × is the damage point.

[0063] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics

[0066] Plain weave was selected as the basic weave, and aramid fiber was used as the fiber. The fabric weave diagram was designed, and the warp beam was selected for yarn supply. The warp yarn consumption was calculated based on the overall size of the required fabric (40 cm × 160 cm). The warp yarns were then wound parallel to the warp beam and then inserted into the corresponding dropper wires, healds, and reeds in sequence. The weaving process was completed through the shedding movement, weft insertion, beating-up, and warp let-off. Finally, the single-layer fabric was cut and trimmed to obtain a thickness of 0.6 mm and an area density of 480 g·m. -2 , a multi-layer impact-resistant flexible fabric cloth measuring 40 cm × 40 cm.

[0067] Embroidering conductive patterns

[0068] The pattern designed to be embroidered on the fabric is a "J" shape with an overall size of 35 cm × 35 cm. The conductive pattern was designed using the computer embroidery design software Wilcom EmbroideryStudio e4.2. The embroidery parameters were set, and the stitch type was a flat stitch with a density of 0.5, a length of 0.8, and a direction from left to right. The spacing between the two rows of conductive patterns was 1 mm. 300 D silver fiber sewing thread was used as the conductive yarn. Then, a layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth were flatly fixed on the embroidery frame of the embroidery machine. The embroidery needle was controlled to move up and down according to the set program and parameters, and the conductive yarn was used to embroider the "J"-shaped conductive pattern on the impact-resistant flexible fabric.

[0069] Finishing and assembly

[0070] The embroidered layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth are soaked in water to dissolve, and then air-dried; finally, the multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns are stacked orthogonally together to obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics

[0073] Satin weave was selected as the base weave, carbon fiber was used as the fiber, the fabric weave diagram was designed, and the warp beam was selected for yarn supply. The warp yarn consumption was calculated based on the overall size of the required fabric (20 cm × 100 cm). The warp yarns were then wound parallel to the warp beam and then inserted into the corresponding dropper wires, healds, and reeds in sequence. The weaving process was completed through the shedding movement, weft insertion, beating-up, and warp let-off. Finally, the single-layer fabric was cut and trimmed to obtain a thickness of 0.25 mm and an area density of 170 g·m -2 , a multi-layer impact-resistant flexible fabric cloth with a size of 20 cm × 20 cm.

[0074] Embroidering conductive patterns

[0075] The pattern designed to be embroidered on the fabric is a straight line with an overall size of 18 cm × 18 cm. The conductive pattern is designed using the computer embroidery design software Wilcom EmbroideryStudio e4.2. The embroidery parameters are set, the stitch type is a flat stitch, the density is 0.4, the length is 1, the direction is from left to right, the spacing between the two rows of conductive patterns is 0.3 mm, and the conductive yarn is 70D carbon fiber sewing thread. Then, a layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth are flatly fixed on the embroidery frame of the embroidery machine. The embroidery needle is controlled to move up and down according to the set program and parameters, and the conductive yarn is used to embroider a straight line conductive pattern on the impact-resistant flexible fabric.

[0076] Finishing and assembly

[0077] The embroidered layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth are soaked in water to dissolve, and then air-dried; finally, the multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns are stacked orthogonally together to obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics

[0080] Twill was selected as the basic weave, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber was used. The fabric weave diagram was designed, and the warp beam was selected for yarn supply. The warp yarn consumption was calculated based on the overall fabric size of 50 cm × 200 cm. The warp yarns were then wound parallel to the warp beam and then passed through the corresponding dropper wires, healds, and reeds in sequence. The weaving process was completed through the shedding movement, weft insertion, beating-up, and warp let-off. Finally, the single-layer fabric was cut and trimmed to obtain a thickness of 0.6 mm and an area density of 320 g·m -2 , a multi-layer impact-resistant flexible fabric cloth measuring 50 cm × 50 cm.

[0081] Embroidering conductive patterns

[0082] The pattern designed to be embroidered on the fabric is a "J" shape with an overall size of 35 cm × 35 cm. The conductive pattern was designed using the computer embroidery design software Wilcom EmbroideryStudio e4.2. The embroidery parameters were set, and the stitch type was a flat stitch with a density of 0.5, a length of 1, and a direction from left to right. The spacing between the two rows of conductive patterns was 0.8 mm. 210 D copper fiber sewing thread was used as the conductive yarn. Then, a layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth were flatly fixed on the embroidery frame of the embroidery machine. The embroidery needle was controlled to move up and down according to the set program and parameters, and the conductive yarn was used to embroider the "J"-shaped conductive pattern on the impact-resistant flexible fabric.

[0083] Finishing and assembly

[0084] The embroidered layer of impact-resistant flexible fabric and a layer of water-soluble lining cloth are soaked in water to dissolve, and then air-dried; finally, the multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns are stacked orthogonally together to obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

[0085] The above multi-layer flexible fabrics all combine the protective characteristics of the multi-layer flexible fabric itself and the sensing function of the conductive pattern to achieve the purpose of different sizes, different precisions, and different degrees of flexibility to adapt to the use of various impact sensing scenarios.

[0086] In summary, the present invention provides a multi-layer flexible fabric and a preparation method thereof, comprising at least two layers of flexible fabric, each layer of flexible fabric being provided with a conductive pattern consisting of multiple rows or columns of conductive yarns, and the conductive patterns between adjacent fabrics being interlaced; the conductive pattern will be broken after being damaged by an impact, and by collecting the resistance signal changes of the conductive patterns in each row and column in the two adjacent layers of flexible fabric, the damaged rows and columns can be identified respectively, thereby locating the impact position. The prepared multi-layer flexible fabric has both excellent impact sensing and impact protection properties, as well as softness and lightness. The preparation method is simple and economical, and it has unique flexibility and deformability, enabling it to adapt to complex surfaces and be effectively used in the field of protection, and is suitable for impact sensing scenarios such as spacecraft and smart wearable devices.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Weaving impact-resistant flexible fabrics using fiber materials; S2. Using a needle, arrange the conductive yarns on the flexible fabric in multiple rows or columns to form a conductive pattern, wherein the conductive patterns between the rows and columns on the flexible fabric are interrupted with a spacing of 0.5 to 1 mm. S3. Fix the flexible fabric embroidered in step S2 on a water-soluble backing cloth, then soak it in water to dissolve it, and air-dry it as the first layer; then stack multiple layers of flexible fabric with conductive patterns orthogonally on top of the first layer in sequence, and finally obtain a multi-layer flexible fabric with integrated impact sensing and protection.

2. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber material is any one of carbon fiber, aramid fiber, basalt fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, glass fiber, and alumina fiber.

3. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each layer of flexible fabric uses a different fiber material.

4. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weave structure of flexible fabrics is plain, satin or twill.

5. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of each layer of flexible fabric is 0.25~0.6 mm, and the surface density is 100~480 g·m-2.

6. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive yarn is any one of metal fiber, carbon fiber and conductive polymer fiber.

7. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the conductive yarn is 70~300 D.

8. The method for preparing a multi-layer flexible fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive pattern is in the shape of a circle, a triangle or a line.

9. A multi-layer flexible fabric, characterized in that: Prepared according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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