Cycling Protective Element with 3D Knitted Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective elements for cycling trousers, despite having friction-reducing smooth surfaces, fail to manage perspiration effectively, leading to skin softening and reduced mechanical resilience, which increases the risk of friction injuries during prolonged cycling.
Innovation Solution
A protective element with a three-dimensional knitted fabric structure that incorporates air-filled niches and pockets to absorb and evaporate perspiration, combined with ventilation ducts for enhanced moisture management, preventing skin softening and maintaining mechanical resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smooth surface is used for protective elements, then friction between the padding and skin is reduced, but perspiration cannot escape and skin softens due to accumulated moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element uses a three-dimensional knitted fabric structure with inherent porosity that allows perspiration to escape through the material while maintaining friction-reducing properties. The porous structure enables moisture vapor transmission without compromising the smooth surface benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional smooth surface to a three-dimensional knitted fabric structure. This dimensional change creates internal channels and spaces within the fabric that facilitate moisture escape while maintaining external smoothness for friction reduction.
2Reliability
If grease is applied to leather upholstery to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but pores are closed and air circulation is completely prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The knitted fabric structure provides inherent porosity and breathability without requiring grease application. The natural gaps between yarns in the knitted structure allow air circulation and moisture vapor transmission while maintaining low friction characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element combines multiple material properties within the knitted fabric structure, integrating friction-reducing surface characteristics with moisture-wicking and breathable properties in a single composite material system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a three-dimensional knitted fabric structure is used, then perspiration can escape and skin resilience is maintained, but the surface is no longer completely smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The knitted fabric structure provides different properties at different levels: the external surface maintains smoothness for friction reduction, while the internal three-dimensional structure provides porosity for moisture escape. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of friction injuries by maintaining skin resilience through effective moisture management and climate control, enhancing cycling performance.
Implementation Method 1
The structure is made from a knitted fabric. Pockets and/or niches are formed in the structure. The pockets and/or niches allow perspiration to be absorbed.
Implementation Method 2
the pockets or niches are filled with air, so that the absorption of moisture in the air-filled pockets and niches causes the sweat to be absorbed by the air, which results in evaporation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a protective element for cyclist pants, having a front protective region (1) and a rear protective region (2), which are connected to each other by a tapering (3). The protective regions (1, 2) and the tapering (3) each comprise a surface (10) having a three-dimensional structure.