Angled Knitted Cuff for Anatomical Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressive knitted parts, such as stockings, often fail to provide a consistent anatomical fit, leading to discomfort, increased wrinkle formation, and higher manufacturing costs due to additional sewing steps.

Innovation Solution

The knitted part consists of a basic trick section and a fringed section, where the fringed section is angled relative to the basic trick section, changing the knitting direction to improve anatomical adaptation and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the base knit is knitted continuously in a tubular shape without anatomical adaptation, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fit to the extremity is poor and wrinkle formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidanatomical fit accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The knitted fabric is divided into multiple knit sections with different knitting patterns (plain knit, purl knit, float knit) arranged in zones. Each zone is knitted with specific stitch patterns to adapt to different anatomical requirements of the extremity, improving fit without complicating the overall continuous knitting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different knit sections are assigned to different zones of the fabric to provide local adaptation to anatomical features. The plain knit sections provide compression, while purl and float knit sections provide relief and adaptation to contours, creating locally optimized fit characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the knitting structure is modified in areas requiring increased adaptation, then the anatomical fit is improved, but the knitted fabric properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical fit accuracyVSAvoidknitted fabric property consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The knitting structure is made dynamic by alternating between different knit patterns (plain, purl, float) in a systematic sequence. This allows the fabric to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining overall structural integrity and consistent mechanical properties through the rhythmic repetition of patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The knitted fabric is produced in a continuous knitting process without interruption or breaking of the knitting action. The transition between different knit sections is achieved continuously within the same knitting cycle, maintaining fabric property consistency while providing anatomical adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If waistband sections are added to the circular knit, then the garment stability is improved, but the wearing comfort deteriorates due to incorrect positioning on the limb

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegarment stabilityVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband sections are positioned asymmetrically on the circular knit fabric, with different locations for upper and lower waistbands. This asymmetric arrangement allows the waistbands to be correctly positioned on the anatomical landmarks of the extremity (such as above and below the knee), improving both stability and wearing comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If multiple differently knitted areas are incorporated to create anatomical shape, then the wearing comfort is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidknitting pattern complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The knitting machine uses universal stitch pattern selections that can be programmed to create multiple different knit sections (plain, purl, float) within a single continuous knitting process. This multi-functionality allows anatomical adaptation without requiring separate knitting operations or complex manual interventions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the fit of the knitted part by providing an anatomically shaped garment with improved wearing comfort and reduced wrinkle formation, while also lowering production costs through a single knitting process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic weft thread is inserted into the knitted stitches in every row or every Xth row

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The applied pressure prevents increasing swelling of the limbs, improves the removal of venous blood and lymph, and increases blood supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3831994B1Knitted piece
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 MEDI GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3831994B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3831994B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3831994B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Knitted part (1, 1', 1", 1'') consisting of a basic knitted section (2) knitted in the round over several rows of stitches and at least one cuff section (3) adjoining the basic knitted section (2) and also knitted over several rows of stitches, wherein the basic knitted section (2) and the cuff section (3) are arranged at an angle to each other.