Dual-Layer Elastic Band Moisture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastic bands with hydrophilic surfaces for skin contact cause discomfort due to retained moisture and perspiration, leading to skin issues like rashes and microbial maladies.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layer elastic band design featuring a hydrophobic inner layer and a hydrophilic outer layer, with elastomeric yarns for stretchability, where the hydrophobic layer repels moisture away from the skin and the hydrophilic layer manages moisture on the outer surface, preventing skin contact with absorbed perspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrophilic materials are used for both skin-facing and outside surfaces, then moisture wicking is improved, but skin comfort deteriorates due to retained moisture contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties to different surfaces of the waistband. The outer surface layer is made hydrophilic to wick moisture away from the body, while the inner surface layer is made hydrophobic to prevent moisture from contacting the skin. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between moisture wicking and skin comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials in a layered structure. The outer layer uses hydrophilic material for moisture absorption, while the inner layer uses hydrophobic material for moisture repulsion. This composite construction allows the waistband to simultaneously achieve moisture wicking and skin protection.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrophilic materials are used for skin contact, then moisture absorption is improved, but skin health deteriorates due to prolonged moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary hydrophobic layer between the skin and the hydrophilic moisture-absorbing layer. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between absorbed moisture and the skin, thereby protecting skin health while allowing the outer hydrophilic layer to perform moisture absorption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the waistband into distinct functional layers: an outer hydrophilic layer for moisture absorption and an inner hydrophobic layer for moisture repulsion. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the hydrophilic layer handling moisture uptake and the hydrophobic layer ensuring skin protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional single-layer hydrophilic fabric is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but wearer comfort deteriorates due to moisture retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer structure to a multi-layer structure, adding a new dimension of functional complexity. By stacking hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers, the patent creates a three-dimensional architecture that enables simultaneous moisture wicking and skin protection, resolving the comfort issue while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard layering techniques.
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 design keeps the skin dry and comfortable by repelling moisture from the hydrophobic inner layer to the hydrophilic outer layer, reducing the risk of skin irritation and enhancing wearer comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated strip-shaped inner layer of a different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layer being hydrophobic
Implementation Method 2
the outer layer being hydrophilic
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic band for an article of clothing is described comprising an elongated strip-shaped outer layer of woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric, the outer layer being hydrophilic; an elongated strip-shaped inner layer of a different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layer being hydrophobic and a logo woven into the fabric of the outer layer. Also disclosed is a double-layer construct for an elastic band comprising a hydrophobic section having apertures, a hydrophilic section having apertures, wherein the hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections are juxtaposed.