Functional composite garment materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite materials for garments and footwear face deficiencies in thermal properties, moisture management, water repellency, and durability, particularly in outdoor and salty environments, where metallized layers are prone to oxidation and corrosion, compromising their effectiveness as thermal barriers.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure comprising a water-resistant, breathable, and stretchable material with a layer of insulation, an infrared-reflective metallic material, and an inner heat conduction layer, along with directional moisture transport and heat reflection properties, is developed. This includes a 3D spacer fabric or aerogel insulation protected by water-resistant membranes, combined with metallic aluminum or silver fibers and antimicrobial treatments, to enhance durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a metallized layer is applied to provide thermal reflection, then thermal barrier effectiveness is improved, but durability deteriorates due to oxidation and corrosion in outdoor and salty environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multi-layer composite structure where a metal layer (aluminum, silver, or stainless steel) is combined with a polymer layer (polyurethane, polyacrylate, or fluoropolymer). The metal layer provides thermal reflection while the polymer layer protects against oxidation and corrosion, resolving the contradiction between thermal effectiveness and durability in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer layer acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the metal layer and the external environment. It prevents direct contact between the metal and corrosive elements (oxygen, moisture, salt), thereby maintaining both the thermal reflection properties and durability over time
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-resistant membrane is added to protect against water ingress, then water repellency is improved, but breathability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water-resistant membrane is designed with a microporous structure that allows water vapor molecules to pass through while blocking liquid water. The pore size is carefully controlled to be smaller than liquid water droplets but larger than water vapor molecules, thus maintaining both water repellency and breathability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional layers are combined to enhance performance, then functional properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (metal layer for thermal reflection, polymer layer for protection, water-resistant membrane for water repellency) into a single integrated composite material system. These layers are bonded together to form a unified structure that provides multiple functions simultaneously, managing complexity through systematic integration
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 provides improved thermal insulation, moisture management, and durability, preventing heat loss and water ingress while maintaining breathability, making it suitable for various weather conditions and outdoor activities.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of infrared-reflective metallic material covering the water resistant membrane
Implementation Method 2
a layer of insulation material having an inside surface and an outside surface
Implementation Method 3
a water-resistant, breathable, and stretchable material
Implementation Method 4
an inner heat conduction layer, along with directional moisture transport and heat reflection properties
Data Source
AI summary
Composite materials for use in garments or footwear, and a process for manufacture, and use thereof. Composite materials may have one or more functional properties including water repellency, antimicrobial function, insulation, moisture wicking, directional moisture transfer, body heat reflection, exterior heat reflection, body heat redistribution through conduction, as well as prevention of body heat loss through heat conduction.