Layered Body Gear with Gutter for Moisture Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional impact protection materials require openings for breathability, compromising protection and leading to a hot, moist interface with the wearer, while existing combinations of impact and moisture-absorbing materials are insufficient in managing moisture due to saturation issues.

Innovation Solution

A layered system comprising impact protection material, absorbent material, and moisture transport material, where the moisture transport material directs moisture away from the skin, and a gutter formed by the impact material facilitates moisture removal, preventing it from contacting the wearer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If openings are made in impact protective material for breathability, then moisture control is improved, but protection level is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture controlVSAvoidprotection level

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is segmented into three distinct functional layers: impact protection material, absorbent material, and moisture transport material. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the impact material provides protection without needing openings, while the other layers handle moisture control, resolving the contradiction between protection and breathability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent material and moisture transport material act as intermediary layers between the wearer's skin and the impact protection material. These intermediaries manage moisture and heat without requiring openings in the impact material itself, thus maintaining both protection level and moisture control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If moisture absorbent material is used with impact absorbing material, then moisture problem is reduced, but saturation occurs and moisture remains in contact with wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture managementVSAvoid持续 moisture control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture transport material serves as an intermediary that actively moves moisture away from the wearer's skin to the absorbent material layer. This prevents moisture accumulation at the skin interface even when the absorbent material becomes saturated, maintaining continuous moisture control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive absorption (which saturates) with active transport mechanisms. The moisture transport material uses capillary action and phase change (evaporation) to actively move and remove moisture, preventing saturation-related failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If impact protection material is used without openings, then protection level is maintained, but hot and moist interface is created with wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection levelVSAvoidthermal comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the protective system into distinct layers, allowing the impact protection material to remain intact (maintaining protection) while separate layers (absorbent and moisture transport materials) handle thermal and moisture management, resolving the contradiction between protection and thermal comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively manages moisture and provides enhanced impact protection without compromising on breathability, using capillary action to transport moisture to the absorbent layer and preventing drips with a reservoir-like gutter, thus maintaining wearer comfort and protection.

Implementation Method 1

using capillary action to transport moisture to the absorbent layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a layer of absorbent material disposed adjacent to the impact protection material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

A gutter is formed of the impact material to facilitate moisture transport and removal from the wearer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7493663B2Protective and therapeutic body gear

Publication Date: 2009.02.24 GORSEN ROBERT M

AI summary

A moisture absorbing and impact protective material comprising a layer of impact protection material forming a gutter, a layer of absorbent material disposed adjacent to the impact protection material at least in part within the gutter, and a layer of moisture transport material disposed at least in part external to the impact protection material gutter and having an interface with the absorbent material. The moisture transport material wicks away moisture from a wearer and transports it to the absorbent material. Excess moisture accumulates in the gutter.