Auxetic Apparel Fabric with Interconnected Cell Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing closely fitting garments that accommodate varying body shapes and sizes, while also providing comfort, moisture management, and attractiveness, is challenging due to differences in body measurements and contours, as well as the limitations of traditional fabrics like cotton which wrinkle easily and poorly manage perspiration.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of an auxetic structure in apparel fabrics, comprising a pattern of interconnected segments forming cells with a fill portion, which expands in a direction perpendicular to the applied force, combined with a resilient base layer for improved contouring and moisture management, allowing for a comfortable, secure fit across different body shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fabrics like cotton are used for closely fitting garments, then comfort against skin is improved, but wrinkle resistance and moisture management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cotton fibers with synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, or spandex) to create a composite fabric that integrates the comfort and breathability of natural fibers with the wrinkle resistance, elasticity, and moisture management properties of synthetic fibers. This composite structure allows the garment to maintain comfort while improving durability and performance characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If garments are designed to fit closely to the human body, then comfort and security are improved, but adaptability to different body shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastane fibers into the fabric composition to provide dynamic elasticity that allows the garment to stretch and conform to different body shapes and sizes while maintaining a secure fit. The elastic properties enable the fabric to adapt dynamically to various contours and movements, providing both comfort and versatility across different wearers.
3Shape
If fabric structure is made complex to accommodate body contours, then contouring ability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fabric through heat setting and washing processes to enhance contouring ability. By controlling parameters such as temperature, humidity, and mechanical treatment during manufacturing, the fabric develops permanent creases and memory properties that improve contouring without requiring complex structural designs, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
The auxetic structure in apparel fabrics enables a snug, comfortable fit with reduced wrinkling and improved moisture management, accommodating various body contours and sizes, while maintaining attractiveness and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The first yarn forms an auxetic structure comprising a pattern of interconnected segments defining cells, each cell having an interior area
Implementation Method 2
Materials such as cotton are also poor perspiration managers, as they tend to absorb perspiration and retain moisture against the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel includes at least one fabric panel including a first yarn having a first denier and a second yarn having a second denier. The first yarn forms an auxetic structure on the fabric panel comprising a pattern of interconnected segments defining cells, each cell having an interior area. The second yarn forms a fill portion extending between the interconnected segments of the auxetic structure and substantially fills the interior area of each cell.