Method for Impregnating a Garment and Apparatus for Impregnating a Garment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for impregnating garments and fabric-like textiles with waterproofing agents are cumbersome, lead to uneven distribution, and pose environmental and health risks due to the use of hazardous solvents and aerosols, with the added issue of surface discoloration and reduced water repellency over time.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involves hanging the garment on an inner support, creating a mist of impregnating agent between the support and an outer surface, using an electrostatic field to ensure even distribution, and utilizing a cleaning agent followed by evacuation and drying to prepare and apply the impregnating agent, which is environmentally friendly and reduces the amount of agent used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If waterproofing agent is applied by brush, sponge or spray can, then the garment can be made waterproof, but the application is cumbersome and uneven distribution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing effectivenessVSAvoidapplication convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical application (brush, sponge, spray can) with an automated electrostatic spray system. The impregnating agent is charged and applied through electrostatic nozzles that automatically distribute the agent evenly across the garment surface, eliminating manual labor while ensuring uniform coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic field automatically guides the charged impregnating agent to the garment surface, with the agent self-distributing evenly across complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas. The system performs the application task autonomously without requiring user skill or effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If aerosol spray can is used to apply impregnating agent, then application speed is improved, but environmental harm and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and delivery method of the impregnating agent from aerosol spray to electrostatically charged liquid/mist. This parameter change eliminates the need for propellant gases and reduces volatile organic compound emissions, maintaining fast application speed while removing environmental and health hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of spray mist by using electrostatic charging to control the mist behavior. The charged mist is precisely directed onto the garment by electrostatic attraction, preventing unwanted dispersion into the environment while maintaining efficient coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If waterproofing agent is reapplied during use, then water repellency is restored, but the process is cumbersome and access to all parts is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater repellencyVSAvoidaccessibility to all garment parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electrostatic fields to extend the application capability into three-dimensional space, allowing the charged impregnating agent to wrap around and reach all surfaces of the garment including seams, pockets, and other hard-to-access areas. This dimensional approach ensures complete and uniform re-application of water repellency throughout the entire garment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 method achieves a more even and thorough application of the impregnating agent, reducing the amount used and minimizing environmental impact while ensuring all parts of the garment are evenly coated, thus enhancing water repellency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

using an electrostatic field to ensure even distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

creating a mist of impregnating agent between the support and an outer surface, using an electrostatic field to ensure even distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20250001436A1Method for Impregnating a Garment and Apparatus for Impregnating a Garment

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 IMBOX SHOECARE

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for impregnating an item, preferably a garment such as a coat, a jacket, a shirt or a pair of trousers, optionally other fabric-like textile such as tents, tarpaulins, hoods for vehicles or vessels. The apparatus comprises an inner support for supporting the garment or other fabric-like textile. The inner support has an electrically conducting surface and an electrically conducting outer cover for covering the garment or other fabric-like textile when supported by the inner support. The apparatus also comprises means for applying an electrostatic field between the electrically conducting surface of the inner support and the electrically conducting outer cover, and nozzles for providing an impregnating agent between the electrically conducting surface of the inner support and the electrically conducting outer cover, from the outer cover towards the garment or other fabric-like textile.