Blanket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waterproof blankets often lack comfort due to layer separation and durability issues caused by relative movement between layers, and existing moisture barriers may not be sufficient.

Innovation Solution

A blanket design featuring a fabric layer, a waterproof base layer with adhesive scrim and insulation, stitched together with a quilted pattern, and reinforced with utility loops, providing a strong and comfortable waterproof barrier through adhesive bonding and quilted stitching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof layer is added to the blanket, then moisture protection is improved, but comfort and layer stability deteriorate due to layer separation and relative movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidlayer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket is divided into multiple functional layers (fabric layer, insulation layer, waterproof base layer) that are stitched together at multiple locations using a quilted pattern. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while the stitching prevents relative movement between layers, resolving the contradiction between moisture protection and layer stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple layers (fabric layer, insulation layer, and waterproof base layer) into a single integrated blanket structure through stitching and adhesive bonding. This merging ensures that all layers work together as one unit, preventing separation while maintaining the waterproof functionality of the base layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If layers are stitched together to prevent separation, then layer stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stitching pattern is segmented into specific locations (corners, sides, and quilted pattern) rather than continuous stitching across the entire blanket. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while still effectively preventing layer separation at critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adhesive scrim layer is introduced as an intermediary between the fabric layer and waterproof base layer. This adhesive layer simplifies the bonding process by providing a continuous adhesive interface, reducing the need for extensive stitching while maintaining layer stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the waterproof and interlayer strength of the blanket, ensuring minimal layer separation under tensile and shear forces, while maintaining comfort and durability, with peel strength between 4-7 kgf and interlayer strength of 42-46 kgf, and a hydrostatic rating of 20,000-40,000 mm column pressure.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive scrim layer positioned between the fabric layer and the base layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a stitched layered member may be formed by stitching together the insulation layer and the adhesive scrim layer to the fabric layer using a quilted pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening through stitching: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the blanket may have a waterproof rating within a range of 20,000 mm and 40,000 mm column pressure when tested with a hydrostatic test

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure resistance: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

The blanket may have a peel strength within a range of 4 kilograms-force and 7 kilograms-force as determined by a peel strength test method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force resistance: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10959549B2Blanket
Publication Date: 2021.03.30 YETI COOLERS LLC
  • US10959549B2 patent drawing
  • US10959549B2 patent drawing
  • US10959549B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A blanket formed from multiple layers including a fabric layer on the top and a base layer on the bottom where the base layer may include a waterproof coating on at least one side. The blanket may also include an insulation layer and an adhesive scrim layer positioned between the fabric layer and the base layer. The layers of the blanket may be attached using a combination of stitching along with an adhesive to form a blanket that is waterproof and is secured together such that the fabric layer does not move relative to the base layer.