Breathable Waterproof Swimming Cap with Shape-Memory Polymer Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with styled or chemically treated hair, as well as those wearing wigs, face challenges in protecting their hair during water-related activities due to damage from chlorine or saltwater, and existing solutions like impermeable wigs are uncomfortable and lose style when wet, making them unsuitable for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A breathable and waterproof swimming cap integrated with shape-memory polymer hair strands that mimic natural hair, maintaining style when wet and dry, and a watertight design to secure the cap on the head, combining a water-resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer, and a moisture-wicking bottom layer with a watertight band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an impermeable cap is used to protect hair from water, then water protection is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microporous structure in the cap material that allows water vapor and air to pass through while blocking liquid water. The pores are sized to permit breathability and moisture wicking while maintaining waterproof protection against pool water and ocean waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap utilizes composite material construction combining hydrophobic and breathable properties. The material composition includes shape-memory polymers and microporous structures that work together to provide both waterproof protection and breathability, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof swimming cap is used to protect hair from chlorine and saltwater, then hair protection is improved, but style retention deteriorates when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shape-memory polymers that change their physical properties in response to water exposure. These polymers are engineered to relax and become flexible when wet, allowing the hair strands to maintain their styled appearance during water activities, then return to their original shaped when dry, thus maintaining style retention across different hydration states.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory polymer strands automatically return to their pre-styled configuration after water exposure without requiring additional styling intervention. The material's inherent memory property enables self-recovery of the desired hairstyle, eliminating the need for re-styling after swimming.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an impermeable wig is used for water activities, then water protection is improved, but comfort during strenuous activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wig incorporates microporous breathable material that allows air circulation and moisture vapor transmission. This enables sweat and heat to escape during strenuous activities like triathlons, maintaining comfort while still providing waterproof protection against external water sources through the hydrophobic properties of the pores.
Solution Approach 2:
The microporous structure acts as an intermediary between the wearer's scalp and external water. It allows beneficial passage of air and sweat vapor while blocking harmful liquid water and chlorine, mediating between the need for breathability and water protection.
4Stability of the object's composition
If natural hair is exposed during water activities, then style maintenance is improved, but damage from chlorine and saltwater increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film wig construction that closely follows the contours of the head and hair. This flexible thin film provides comprehensive coverage and protection to natural hair and styled hairpieces while maintaining natural appearance and style. The film is designed to be form-fitting yet comfortable, offering sleek coverage that protects against chlorine and saltwater damage.
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 provides effective protection for hair and scalp from water while allowing for comfortable, long-term use during strenuous activities, maintaining style and breathability, and preventing damage from chlorine and saltwater.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of hair strands are made from shape-memory polymers that have been treated such that they will relax when wet and return to their original shape when dry
Implementation Method 2
a moisture wicking bottom layer
Implementation Method 3
a water-resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus for head wear comprising a swimming cap portion that is breathable, and protects the hair and scalp of the user from water and other watery substance(s); and a wig portion that has the versatility/appearance of natural hair, and retains a desired style even after multiple use.