Assemblies of functionalized textile materials and methods of use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textile materials lack integrated functional and structural layers that provide enhanced performance characteristics, such as moisture management, thermal regulation, and antimicrobial properties, which are not adequately addressed by individual or unfunctionalized layers.

Innovation Solution

Assemblies of functional and structural layers, including binderless ceramic materials on textile substrates, are designed to impart properties like hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, thermal insulation, and antimicrobial effects through structured ceramic layers and optional top coat materials, enhancing performance and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual functional layers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance characteristicsVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional layers (hydrophobic layer, hydrophilic layer, insulating layer) into a single integrated assembly that works synergistically. The functional layers are bonded to the textile substrate and to each other, creating a unified structure that delivers enhanced moisture management, thermal regulation, and antimicrobial properties compared to individual layers used separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structures where different functional layers with distinct properties (hydrophobic ceramic, hydrophilic ceramic, insulating material) are combined in a layered assembly. This composite approach allows the system to exhibit multiple beneficial properties simultaneously that are greater than the sum of individual layer contributions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple functional layers are integrated, then performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture management and thermal regulationVSAvoidassembly production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the functional assembly into distinct separable layers (hydrophobic layer, hydrophilic layer, insulating layer) that can be manufactured and then bonded together. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while maintaining ease of assembly through bonding processes, balancing manufacturing simplicity with enhanced performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If binderless ceramic materials are used, then functional properties are improved, but material stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoidceramic layer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where binderless ceramic layers are combined with other functional layers and bonded to a textile substrate. The bonding between layers and to the substrate provides structural stability and mechanical reinforcement, compensating for the absence of binders while preserving the functional properties of the binderless ceramic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The binderless ceramic layers are merged with other functional layers and the substrate through bonding, creating a unified stable assembly. This combination provides the structural support and stability that would otherwise be provided by binders, while maintaining the functional advantages of binderless ceramics.

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 assemblies achieve improved moisture management, thermal regulation, and antimicrobial protection, offering superior performance characteristics compared to individual or unfunctionalized layers, with applications in various textiles and protective materials.

Implementation Method 1

the ceramic material includes a chemical conversion of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic; and wherein the textile substrate undergoes a chemical conversion to produce the ceramic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

the A layers each comprise a ceramic material, such as a binderless ceramic, e.g., a binderless porous ceramic material, on a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 3

z B layers of insulating, structural or otherwise functionally beneficial material between x At layers and y Ab layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

desirable performance characteristics may be enhanced through the integration of individual functional layers to form an assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial effect:

Data Source

PatentUS20250229505A1Assemblies of functionalized textile materials and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 NELUMBO INC

AI summary

Assemblies of stacked layers of materials are described. The assemblies include functional and structural layers. Functional layers include binderless ceramic materials on woven or non-woven substrates of natural, synthetic, or metallic materials. The layers of functional and structural materials may be configured to transport moisture or heat from an inner surface to an outer surface that is exposed to an ambient environment.