Dynamic Materials for Adjustable Permeability and Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for integrating dynamic materials into articles to adjust physical characteristics in response to human stimuli, such as body heat or moisture, for enhanced functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The integration of shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys, and electro-activated polymers into articles, which change shape in response to thermal, moisture, or electrical stimuli, allowing for adjustable features like permeability, loft, and geometric changes, such as opening or closing vents, through mechanisms like printing, laminating, or fiber-level incorporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic materials are integrated into articles to enable shape changing in response to stimuli, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dynamic materials with carrier materials to form integrated composite structures. The dynamic material is merged with the carrier material through lamination, coating, or weaving, allowing the article to change physical characteristics (such as aperture size, loft, or permeability) in response to environmental stimuli while maintaining structural integrity through the combined material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic material-integrated article is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support through the carrier material while simultaneously enabling adaptive response to stimuli through the dynamic material. A single article can thus serve both as a structural component and as a responsive actuator, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic materials are integrated into articles for shape changing capabilities, then functionality and performance are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the article into distinct functional zones where dynamic materials are selectively integrated. Different carrier material regions can be treated differently, with dynamic materials applied only where responsive functionality is needed, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by localizing complex operations rather than treating the entire article uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where dynamic materials are combined with carrier materials in defined architectures (such as laminated layers, woven fabrics, or coated surfaces). These composite structures can be manufactured using established composite material techniques, leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure while enabling responsive functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape changing materials are used to affect geometric structure of the article, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the distribution, orientation, and properties of dynamic materials across different regions of the carrier material. This allows different geometric responses in different areas of the article, with each region optimized for its specific function, reducing the need for high precision throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the dynamic material integration to enable controlled geometric changes in response to stimuli. The system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where geometric properties (such as aperture size, surface area, or volume) can be adjusted on demand, allowing the article to adapt its shape to functional requirements rather than requiring precise manufacturing for all possible configurations.
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
Enables articles to dynamically adjust their physical properties in response to environmental changes, improving functionality, comfort, and performance, such as enhanced ventilation and thermal regulation.
Implementation Method 1
Dynamic materials are materials that are able to alter shape in response to a stimulus. The stimulus may be in the form of thermal energy (or the lack thereof)... shape memory polymers... change shape in response to thermal, moisture, or electrical stimuli
Implementation Method 2
shape memory alloys... change shape in response to thermal, moisture, or electrical stimuli
Implementation Method 3
electro-activated polymers into articles, which change shape in response to thermal, moisture, or electrical stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of integrating dynamic materials into articles for adjustable physical characteristics, e.g., aesthetic, functional. For example, in response to a human's body heat, a dynamic material may change shape to allow additional permeability in an article of clothing. Similarly, in response to the presence of moisture, an article of clothing may close a vent to prevent the introduction of rain into an internal portion of the article. The shape changing material may change shape that merely affects a feature formed by the shape changing material. Additionally, it is contemplated that the shape changing material may change shape that affects a geometric structure of the article as a whole, e.g., protrusions, dimples, vents, etc.