Circular Knitted Fabric With Localized Additional Stitches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circular knitted parts lack the ability to easily create function-oriented or geometry-oriented areas, limiting their customization for specific anatomical adaptations and therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating additional rows of stitches knitted with separate threads between existing rows of stitches in a circular knitted fabric, allowing for localized increases in stitch volume and geometry adjustments without altering the entire fabric structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional stitches are knitted to create cushioning or plush sections, then the haptic comfort and cushioning effect are improved, but the knitted volume and fabric complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic comfortVSAvoidknitted volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the knitted fabric into distinct functional zones by selectively inserting additional stitches only in specific rows and columns where cushioning is needed, rather than uniformly increasing stitches throughout the entire fabric. This localized segmentation allows cushioning sections to be created without proportionally increasing the overall knitted volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by varying the stitch density in different regions of the fabric. Additional stitches are inserted only in specific rows and columns to create plush or cushioning sections with different tactile properties, while other regions maintain the original stitch density. This allows different parts of the same fabric to have different functional qualities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the fabric geometry is modified to replicate anatomical body shapes, then the fit and wearing comfort are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates dynamic geometry by selectively adding or removing stitches in specific patterns that allow the fabric to adapt to anatomical contours. The stitch insertion is designed to create geometric effects that replicate body shapes, allowing the fabric to dynamically conform to different anatomical features while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies geometric parameters locally by changing the number of stitches in specific rows and columns. This selective parameter change allows the fabric geometry to be adjusted to replicate anatomical body shapes without requiring complete redesign of the entire knitting pattern, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional threads are used to create functional sections, then the fabric functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the same basic knitting mechanism to create different fabric sections with varying stitch densities. The same knitting device can produce cushioning sections, plush sections, and anatomically-shaped regions by simply varying the stitch insertion pattern, eliminating the need for separate devices or complex multi-thread systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3214213B1Round fabric section and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 MEDI GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3214213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3214213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Circular knitted part, with a base knitted with at least one basic knitting thread consisting of several rows of stitches interwoven and spirally arranged in the longitudinal direction of the base knitted, wherein, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the base knitted (9), an additional thread (13) forming stitches (17) and connecting the rows of stitches (11) is knitted in between two rows of stitches (11) of the base knitted (9), forming at least one additional stitch (14), wherein the additional stitch (14) is formed over at least one separate additional thread (13).