Elastomeric Watch Strap with Hydrophilic Microfibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elastomeric materials used for bracelets and watch components in contact with the skin lack effective perspiration wicking and antibacterial durability due to friction and abrasion, which reduces the effectiveness of antibacterial agents.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating hydrophilic microfibers for moisture evacuation and thermally conductive fillers like zinc oxide or boron nitride, along with antimicrobial additives such as organic zinc or silver salts, into the elastomeric material to enhance perspiration management and maintain antibacterial properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional elastomeric materials are used for watch straps, then comfort and soft touch are provided, but moisture wicking effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidmoisture wicking effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines elastomeric material with hydrophilic microfibers to create a composite material that maintains the comfort and soft touch of the elastomer while adding moisture wicking capability through the hydrophilic fibers. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrophilic microfibers are distributed within the elastomeric matrix to create local zones of enhanced moisture absorption and wicking. This local quality enhancement allows the material to provide moisture management functionality specifically where needed, while maintaining the overall comfort properties of the elastomer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If antibacterial agents are added to elastomeric materials, then antibacterial properties are achieved, but friction and abrasion remove the antibacterial agent and reduce effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidantibacterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where antibacterial agents are incorporated into the elastomeric matrix along with hydrophilic microfibers. This composite structure protects the antibacterial agents from being removed by friction and abrasion, as they are integrated within the material rather than applied as a surface coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the elastomeric material by incorporating specific fillers and additives that enhance both the mechanical properties and the durability of the antibacterial agents. This includes adjusting the composition to improve resistance to friction and abrasion while maintaining antibacterial effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If hydrophilic microfibers are incorporated into elastomeric material, then moisture wicking is improved, but thermal conductivity needs enhancement for perspiration management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture wickingVSAvoidthermal conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hydrophilic microfibers with thermally conductive fillers in an elastomeric matrix to create a multi-functional composite material. This composite structure simultaneously provides moisture wicking through the hydrophilic fibers and thermal conductivity through the conductive fillers, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional components (hydrophilic microfibers for moisture wicking, thermally conductive fillers for heat transfer, and antibacterial agents for hygiene) into a single integrated elastomeric material. This merging allows the material to perform multiple functions simultaneously, including improved perspiration management through both moisture wicking and thermal conductivity.

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 solution effectively evacuates humidity and maintains antibacterial efficacy by improving thermal conductivity and preventing odor development, while maintaining comfort and resistance to aging and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the fibers forming channels in the elastomeric material so as to transport moisture by capillary action through said material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the elastomeric material comprises thermally conductive fillers selected from zinc oxide or boron nitride

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3387061B1Comfortable elastomeric material

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 OMEGA SA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an elastomer material for timepiece components or bracelet intended to be in contact with the skin, the elastomer material comprising moisture wicking means. According to the invention, the wicking means comprise hydrophilic microfibres suitable for wicking and neutralizing moisture through the material.