Cut Resistant Yarn Blend with Embedded Hard Fibers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cut-resistant garments are uncomfortable to wear and restrict movement due to excessive weight and inflexibility, leading to potential fatigue and increased accident risks, as they prioritize cut resistance over wearer comfort.
Innovation Solution
A yarn blend comprising ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) staple fibers with embedded hard components and polyamide staple fibers, in specific weight ratios, which enhances cut resistance while maintaining comfort by distributing the hard fibers within a polymer matrix, thereby improving fabric cut resistance without compromising flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cut resistant yarns containing hard fibers are used to provide adequate cut resistance, then protection level is improved, but weight and flexibility deteriorate leading to discomfort and restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating hard fibers only within specific polymer filament structures rather than uniformly throughout the entire yarn. The hard fibers are embedded within a polymer body at localized positions, creating regions of enhanced cut resistance only where needed, while other regions maintain flexibility and comfort properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hard fibers with polymer filaments to create a hybrid structure. The composite yarn consists of a polymer body encasing hard fibers, merging the cut-resistant properties of hard fibers with the flexibility and comfort of polymer materials, thereby achieving both protection and wearability.
2Reliability
If cut resistant yarns with hard fibers are used to provide adequate cut resistance, then protection level is improved, but flexibility and freedom of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hard fibers are distributed locally within the polymer body rather than uniformly throughout the yarn structure. This localized arrangement provides cut resistance at specific points while maintaining overall yarn flexibility, allowing the garment to move freely with the wearer's body without excessive restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of polymer filaments encasing hard fibers creates a material that combines the rigidity needed for cut resistance with the flexibility of polymer materials. This composite approach enables the yarn to resist cutting forces while still allowing natural movement and dexterity during wear.
3Reliability
If hard fibers are incorporated into yarn to improve cut resistance, then protection level is improved, but wear comfort deteriorates due to excessive weight and inflexibility
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding hard fibers locally within polymer bodies rather than using them throughout the entire yarn, the patent reduces the overall amount of hard material present. This localized approach provides necessary cut resistance while minimizing the weight and inflexibility that would otherwise compromise wear comfort during extended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite yarn structure combines hard fibers with flexible polymer filaments in a specific configuration where the polymer body encases the hard fibers. This composite design balances protection and comfort by allowing the polymer component to provide flexibility and softness while the embedded hard fibers deliver cut resistance, resulting in a garment that remains comfortable for prolonged wear.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There is provided a cut resistant yarn comprising a blend of first and second staple fibers, wherein, the first staple fibers are polymer- fibers, each first staple fiber comprising a polymer body encasing a hard component, said hard component being a plurality of hard fibers, said hard fibers having an average diameter of at most 25 microns; and the second staple fibers are different to the first staple fibers, wherein the weight ratio of the first to second staple polymer- fibers is from 1:99 to 99:1.