Circular Knitted Garment Elastic Inserts for Localized Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garments produced by circular machines struggle to create localized compression zones effectively using elastomeric yarns, as they tend to fray and lose elasticity, leading to inadequate support and comfort, especially in sports and medical applications where specific compression is required.
Innovation Solution
The garment incorporates elastic inserts produced using circular machines with elastomeric yarns in oblique and horizontal directions, specifically in predefined zones, secured by binding yarns to prevent fraying and ensure effective compression and support, allowing for customizable elasticity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric yarns are used to create compression zones in circular knitting machines, then compression effectiveness is improved, but the yarn tends to fray and lose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic yarn is segmented into discrete zones rather than used continuously. The patent divides the garment into specific compression zones where elastomeric yarn is inserted only where needed, rather than throughout the entire fabric. This segmentation allows the elastic yarn to be contained and secured within defined boundaries, preventing fraying while maintaining compression effectiveness in targeted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic yarn is pre-secured at its endpoints before being subjected to compression forces. The patent employs techniques to anchor and secure the elastomeric yarn at the beginning and end of each compression zone, preventing the yarn from slipping backward or fraying during subsequent knitting operations and wear. This preliminary securing action ensures the yarn maintains its elasticity and position throughout the garment's lifecycle.
2Stress or pressure
If elastic yarn is tensioned to increase compression, then compression effect is improved, but elastic yarn must be present throughout the entire knitted fabric
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the garment have different compression requirements, and the patent implements this by inserting elastomeric yarn only in specific local zones rather than uniformly throughout the entire fabric. Each compression zone is tailored to provide the appropriate level of compression for that particular area of the body, optimizing both comfort and effectiveness while reducing the overall complexity of yarn distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is divided into multiple functional zones with different compression needs. The patent segments the knitted fabric into areas requiring compression (where elastomeric yarn is inserted) and areas where standard yarn suffices. This segmentation allows high compression effect in critical zones without requiring elastic yarn throughout the entire garment, thereby reducing complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If toweling processing is used to create elastic banding, then elastic effect is achieved, but the insert becomes voluminous and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using bulky toweling inserts to create elastic banding, the patent employs thin films of knitted fabric containing elastomeric yarn. The elastic compression zones are created as thin, flat integrally knitted sections that provide the necessary elastic effect without adding voluminous thickness. This approach maintains comfort and sleek appearance while achieving the desired banding effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite knitted structures by combining elastomeric yarn with ground yarn in specific patterns. This composite approach allows the creation of thin yet effective compression zones that integrate the elastic properties of the elastomeric yarn with the structural integrity of the ground yarn, eliminating the need for separate bulky toweling inserts.
4Stress or pressure
If elastic yarn is used throughout the entire fabric to provide compression, then compression is achieved, but the garment lacks differentiated localized compression zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the compression characteristics in different zones of the garment. Specific areas receive elastomeric yarn insertion to provide enhanced compression where needed (such as muscle groups requiring support), while other areas maintain standard knitting for comfort and flexibility. This creates differentiated localized compression zones within the same garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is segmented into multiple compression zones with varying levels of elasticity and compression. The patent divides the fabric into distinct sections, each with tailored yarn composition and knitting density to provide appropriate compression for different body areas, rather than applying uniform compression throughout the entire garment.
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 precise compression zones that enhance blood circulation, support, and comfort, reducing muscle fatigue and improving performance, while being easy to wear and manufacture, with the ability to adapt to body morphology without bulkiness or constrictiveness.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric yarns... due to the intrinsic elasticity thereof, in addition to that provided by the knitting itself
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a garment with elastic inserts produced on circular machines of the type comprising elasticised sectors (3) and elasticised zones obtained by working in a further elastomeric yarn—in addition to the ground yarn and the reinforcing yarn normally used—and actually knitting the yarns so as to create machined portions, both horizontally and obliquely, which result in well-defined and demarcated zones which provide greater compression than the knitted stitches on the same row, thereby providing—within the elasticised sectors (3)—a greater compression value than outside the sector on the same row of knitted stitches. The elasticised sectors (3) are designed portions which create ornamental figures or banding with specific compression which can provide support, contribute to the stimulation of blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and render movement safer and more supported, when properly positioned and sized.