Composite Fabric with Reflective and Glowing Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabrics require multiple layers to achieve multiple features, leading to increased thickness and inefficiency, as the middle layer cannot perform its intended function due to being sandwiched between others.
Innovation Solution
A composite fabric is created by weaving threads made of thermoplastic polyurethane particles mixed with glass particles for light reflection and glowing material for visibility in the dark, minimizing thickness while maintaining multiple features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of fabric with different features are combined by weaving to achieve multiple functions, then the fabric gains multiple features, but the thickness increases and the middle layer cannot perform its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional materials (reflective glass particles, glowing material, thermoplastic polyurethane particles) into a single composite thread structure. This allows multiple features (light reflection, glowing in dark, stickiness) to be integrated into one layer rather than requiring separate fabric layers, thereby reducing overall thickness while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining thermoplastic polyurethane particles with glass particles and glowing material within the same thread. This composite approach enables a single fabric layer to exhibit multiple properties that would traditionally require separate layers, resolving the contradiction between achieving multiple features and minimizing thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of fabric are combined to achieve multiple features, then the fabric gains multiple functions, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the structure by merging multiple functional components into a single composite thread that can be woven independently. Instead of coordinating multiple separate fabric layers, the invention integrates reflection, glowing, and adhesion properties into one thread type, reducing structural complexity while maintaining multiple features.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite thread serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides structural integrity for weaving, contains reflective glass particles for light reflection, incorporates glowing material for visibility in dark, and includes thermoplastic polyurethane for stickiness. This multi-functionality in a single element reduces the need for multiple specialized layers.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional threads with single features are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but multiple layers are needed to achieve multiple features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ease of manufacture by using a process similar to conventional thread production - melting and extruding particles through a spinneret. The innovation lies in the composite nature of the materials being processed, not the processing method itself. This allows multiple features to be achieved without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using particles instead of conventional continuous filaments. This particle-based approach allows for easy mixing of different functional materials (glass particles, glowing material, thermoplastic polyurethane) during the melting and extrusion process, achieving multiple features while maintaining a straightforward manufacturing process.
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 composite fabric achieves light reflection and glowing in the dark with minimal thickness, allowing for efficient integration of multiple functions without the need for additional layers, and can be easily attached to objects or other fabrics using stickiness.
Implementation Method 1
Each first thread reflects light under illumination
Implementation Method 2
Each second thread absorbs light and glows in a dark place
Implementation Method 3
Each second thread absorbs light and glows in a dark place
Implementation Method 4
The glass particles are added and mixed into the plurality of thermoplastic polyurethane particles during a melting process
Implementation Method 5
after the glass particles and the plurality of thermoplastic polyurethane particles are mixed and hardened
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a composite fabric includes the steps of feeding, mixing and stirring, first drying, hot melt extrusion, first cooling, stretch extension, second cooling, winding-strands-into-roll, second drying, and weaving. The composite fabric is composed of multiple first threads and multiple second threads which are woven to the first threads. The first threads and the second threads are respectively reflective threads and glowing threads so that the composite fabric includes both features of light reflection and glowing in dark.