Circular-Knit Bed Sheet Structure for Thermal and Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bedding technologies, particularly bed sheets, fail to accommodate large sizes and provide optimal thermal conditions for sleep due to limitations in manufacturing high gauge circular knit fabrics, leading to poor moisture management and discomfort, especially in marine and recreational vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A bed sheet constructed from high gauge circular knit performance fabrics with spandex, utilizing flat lock stitching and specialized manufacturing techniques to achieve larger sizes and superior breathability, moisture management, and thermal regulation, allowing for better fit and comfort on various mattress sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cotton bedding is used, then moisture absorption is provided, but thermal regulation and breathability are insufficient leading to poor sleep quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from conventional cotton to high gauge circular knit performance fabric with specific properties including moisture-wicking capability, breathability, and thermal regulation. The fabric construction parameters (high gauge, circular knit structure) are optimized to achieve superior thermal management while maintaining comfort.
2Temperature
If performance fabrics are manufactured, then breathability and heat transfer are maximized, but width limitations prevent use for bed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bed sheet into multiple fabric panels that are joined together. Each panel can be manufactured within the width capabilities of existing performance fabric production, and the panels are assembled to create the full bed sheet size. This segmentation allows the use of high-performance fabrics while achieving the required large dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fabric panels through joining processes to create the complete bed sheet. The panels are merged to achieve both the required size and the performance characteristics of the fabric, overcoming the width limitation of individual fabric production.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bedding is used in marine and recreational vehicle applications, then moisture resistance is needed, but conventional bedding accumulates moisture and mildew
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fabric parameters to include moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties inherent in performance fabrics. The high gauge circular knit structure provides capillary action that moves moisture away from the body and facilitates rapid evaporation, preventing moisture accumulation that leads to mildew in marine and RV environments.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional bed sheets are used in hot weather, then basic coverage is provided, but moisture absorption is insufficient causing sticky and wet feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fabric composition and structure to performance materials with enhanced moisture management properties. The high gauge circular knit construction creates capillary channels that actively wick moisture away from the body, and the fabric's breathability parameters are optimized to facilitate rapid evaporation, eliminating the sticky feeling associated with conventional fabrics in hot weather.
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 bed sheet provides enhanced comfort and thermal regulation, maintaining a cooler environment, facilitating faster and deeper sleep by improving heat and moisture transfer, outperforming traditional cotton sheets in tests.
Implementation Method 1
Performance fabrics are made for a variety of end-use applications, and can provide multiple functional qualities, such as moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermo-regulation, and wind/water resistance.
Implementation Method 2
The bed sheet provides enhanced comfort and thermal regulation, maintaining a cooler environment, facilitating faster and deeper sleep by improving heat and moisture transfer
Implementation Method 3
Performance fabrics are made for a variety of end-use applications, and can provide multiple functional qualities, such as moisture management
Implementation Method 4
Performance fabrics are made for a variety of end-use applications, and can provide multiple functional qualities, such as moisture management
Data Source
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AI summary
Bed sheet (10) at least 228.6 cm wide including a first circular-knit fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second circular-knit fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third circular-knit fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch (12). The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.