Turbulence control structure for clothing using hexagonal knitting patterns

Abstract

This invention provides a textured knitted fabric structure for reducing air resistance in sports socks and sportswear, thereby reducing air resistance associated with the wearer's movements and improving aerodynamic performance, particularly in sports such as cycling, running, and speed skating. [Solution] The uneven knitted fabric structure for reducing air resistance is formed on the surface of sports socks or sportswear using knitting technology to create an uneven structure with hexagonal patterns as units. The internal region of the hexagonal pattern is formed as a convex portion 1 using a floating yarn structure or bulging knitted fabric, and the edges (the outline of the hexagon) are formed as a concave portion 2 using a high-density sinking knitted fabric. As a result, the convex portion inside the hexagon creates local turbulence (disturbance) in the airflow within the boundary layer as a minute ridge, and the concave grooves on the edges of the hexagon receive this turbulence and regulate the flow, thereby promoting the delay of airflow separation and, as a result, reducing air resistance. The size of the hexagon is preferably 5 mm to 10 mm to optimize the balance of physical properties, durability, and aerodynamic effect of the knitted fabric.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to knitted products that adhere to the body, such as cycling socks and sportswear, and particularly to a turbulent flow control structure aimed at reducing air resistance.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional sports socks and wear, rib structures and step structures are used to improve aerodynamic performance. However, these have problems such as high manufacturing difficulty or a decrease in durability. There was also a problem that it was difficult to balance functionality and designability.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Boundary layer control is required to reduce air resistance, but in some cases, sufficient effects cannot be obtained with conventional structures. The purpose of this invention is to provide a structure that enables excellent turbulent flow control both visually and functionally by knitting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This invention is characterized by the following configuration. 1. A hexagonal pattern knitting structure is formed on part or all of the leg portion or the surface of the wear. 2. The inner region of the hexagon creates a minute uneven shape and acts as minute protrusions to moderately disrupt the air flow. 3. The size of the hexagon is set within the range of 5 mm to 10 mm and is optimized to reduce air resistance during sports. 4. By the peeling delay action due to turbulent flow control, the air flow on the foot or the body surface is smoothly maintained.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] The microscopic irregularities formed on the inside of the hexagonal woven structure function as microscopic protrusions, generating subtle turbulence in the laminar airflow according to the airflow and speed. This slight turbulence, in turn, creates a separation delay effect, contributing to a reduction in air resistance. Furthermore, because it is implemented as a woven structure, no additional parts or processing are required, and it boasts superior design and allows for visual differentiation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Outline of a hexagonal knitting pattern [Figure 2] The uneven structure inside the hexagon (enlarged view) [Figure 3] Example of placement on the sock leg portion [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] In this embodiment, a functional knitted fabric having a hexagonal uneven structure, aimed at reducing air resistance, is described. The knitted fabric according to this invention is applicable to sportswear fields such as sports socks, cycling wear, and running wear, where air resistance becomes particularly noticeable during high-speed movement. The distinguishing feature of this knitted fabric is that its surface is formed by a textured knit consisting of multiple hexagonal units, and the convex parts inside the hexagons and the concave parts around them function as microturbulence generators. Each hexagonal unit has a three-dimensional structure in which the inner region is convex and the surrounding area is concave. This difference in surface irregularities (0.5-1.0 mm) generates very small-scale turbulence (microturbulence) in relation to the airflow, which has the effect of delaying boundary layer separation. This reduces air resistance (Cd value), stabilizes airflow around the body at high speeds, and suppresses the decrease in pedaling and running efficiency caused by wind. The pitch, depth, height, and density of the hexagonal pattern are set to maximize the air resistance reduction effect, and the outer diameter of the hexagons is preferably 5 to 10 mm. The main knit fabric can be manufactured using a standard circular knitting machine or jacquard knitting machine and can be selectively placed on parts of socks or garments (such as the calf, thigh, or forearm, areas that are prone to airflow). [Examples]

[0008] Aerodynamic sports socks 1.Application Aero socks for cycling and triathlon. 2.Hexagonal internal structure ·Hexagonal outer diameter: 5.0mm • Recess depth: 0.45 mm • Height of protrusion: 0.50 mm ·Unevenness difference: 0.95mm • Pitch: 1mm 3. Knitting structure The surface unevenness pattern in this invention is based on a hexagonal pattern as the basic unit. ·Hexagonal interior (center): These are convex areas formed using a floating yarn structure or a raised knit fabric structure, and they act as minute ridges that are higher than the surrounding area. • Hexagonal edges (boundaries): These are recesses formed by a sinking knit (concave knit) with increased knitting density, and are arranged to surround the central convex part. As a result, The protrusions inside the hexagon act as minute protrusions, causing localized turbulence in the airflow. The edges (concave parts) of the hexagon function as "micro-channels" that receive turbulence generated by the convex parts, converging and straightening the flow while delaying boundary layer separation at the object's surface. 4. Placement • Evenly distributed across a 140mm area on the front and back of the calf (the area that receives the most air). 5. Air resistance measurement (actual measured value) Compared to commercially available smooth socks CdA level: -3.4% Air resistance at 50 km / h: Reduced by approximately 4.0W. 6. Additional effects • Airflow around the suspension remains stable at high speeds. ·Turbulence interference during pedaling is suppressed ·The average speed of the competitor is increased by 1 - 1.8 km / h

Explanation of symbols

[0009] 1: Hexagonal convex part 2: Hexagonal side concave part

Industrial applicability

[0010] The "functional knitted fabric with hexagonal concavo - convex structure" according to the present invention can be used in a wide range of industrial fields as follows. The concavo - convex structure of the present invention can impart characteristics such as improved breathability, improved sweat - handling performance, suppression of stickiness on the skin surface, improved cushioning property, and improved fit. Therefore, it exhibits high effects particularly during exercise or when worn for a long time. This structure can be used in fields such as sports socks, sports innerwear, cycling wear, running wear, training wear, outdoor wear, etc., and can be applied to a wide market from athletes to general fitness users. Moreover, it can be produced by ordinary knitting machines such as circular knitting machines and jacquard knitting machines, and can be easily introduced into existing production lines. Therefore, mass production is possible while suppressing manufacturing costs. For this reason, it has high commercial value in the fiber - apparel industry and is excellent in both mass - productivity and popularity. Furthermore, the concavo - convex pattern on the fabric surface also contributes to the design, enabling both functionality and design. Therefore, it can be developed for various applications other than the sports field, such as workwear, medical and nursing care wear, and daily apparel. From the above, the present invention has industrial applicability in a wide range of fields including the fiber industry and the sports apparel industry.

Claims

1. A knitted fabric structure formed on the surface of sports socks or sportswear, It has a bumpy structure arranged using a hexagonal pattern as the unit, The interior of the hexagonal pattern is a convex portion formed by a floating yarn structure or a bulging knitted fabric structure. The edges of the hexagonal pattern are characterized by being recesses formed by a sinking knit fabric with increased knitting density. A textured knitted fabric structure designed to reduce air resistance.

2. The aforementioned protrusions act as minute ridges, locally disturbing the airflow. The recess functions as a minute groove that is subjected to the disturbance, A feature that suppresses boundary layer separation and reduces air resistance, The uneven knitted fabric structure according to claim 1.

3. The uneven knitted fabric structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the size of the hexagonal pattern is set in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

4. The aforementioned uneven knitted fabric structure is characterized by being arranged on part or all of the surface of the sports sock or sportswear. The uneven knitted fabric structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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