Double-Knitted Fabric with Segmented Moisture and Ventilation Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-knitted fabrics do not effectively address air conditioning and climate compensation, particularly in terms of moisture absorption and air permeability, which is crucial for direct or indirect body contact applications such as upholstery or bedding.

Innovation Solution

A double-knitted fabric design featuring alternating sections with a filling thread for moisture absorption and spacer threads for ventilation, produced using a knitting machine, where the filling thread extends beyond the height of the spacer thread, ensuring efficient moisture absorption and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If filling threads are inserted into the intermediate space to improve moisture absorption, then moisture absorption capability is improved, but air permeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture absorptionVSAvoidair permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric is divided into first sections containing filling threads for moisture absorption and second sections containing spacer threads for ventilation, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the fabric have different local properties: first sections are optimized for moisture absorption with filling threads, while second sections are optimized for air permeability with spacer threads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If spacer threads are used to improve air permeability, then air permeability is improved, but moisture absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair permeabilityVSAvoidmoisture absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric structure is segmented into alternating first and second sections, where spacer threads are confined to second sections to preserve air permeability while filling threads in first sections provide moisture absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spacer threads are locally placed in second sections to create ventilation channels without occupying the entire fabric structure, allowing moisture absorption functionality to be maintained in first sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If filling threads extend beyond spacer thread height to improve moisture absorption, then moisture absorption is improved, but fabric complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture absorptionVSAvoidfabric structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric is organized into repeating first and second sections with distinct functions, creating a manageable modular structure that reduces overall complexity despite the varied thread arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second sections are merged into a single integrated fabric structure produced by knitting machines, combining moisture absorption and ventilation functions in one homogeneous material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fabric achieves enhanced moisture absorption and air permeability, providing effective air conditioning and moisture removal, especially during direct or indirect physical contact, with specific section arrangements and materials optimizing these properties.

Implementation Method 1

the first section is designed in particular to absorb moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

such a material can ensure particularly good moisture absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

the second section is suitable in particular to enable ventilation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a high level of air permeability through the fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3070192B1Air-permeable quilted fabric
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 MATTES & AMMANN
  • EP3070192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070192B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a knitted or woven fabric in the form of a double-layered knitted fabric. The object of the present invention is to further develop such a fabric in such a way that its climate control or climate regulation is improved, in particular by providing high moisture absorption and release through the fabric and simultaneously high air permeability through the fabric.The problem is solved by a knitted or woven fabric in the form of a double-layered knitted, woven or crocheted fabric, with an upper (1) and lower (2) textile side, which are spaced apart from each other forming an interval (6), with first and second sections repeating in the longitudinal (5) or transverse (9) direction of the fabric, wherein at least one insert (3) is inserted in each of the first sections (7), and at least one spacer thread (4) spanning and stretching the interval (6) is provided in each of the second sections (8), characterized in that the extension of the insert in the direction of the height of the interval is greater than the height of the interval in the second section.