Heat-Shrink Polymer Fabric with Conducting Threads for Continuous Resizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing size-adjustment technologies for garments and wearable items, such as shape memory alloys and heat-recoverable fabrics, are limited in their ability to adjust size continuously, often only allowing for discrete adjustments, which is inadequate for achieving a perfect fit in various applications, especially in high-functionality items like protective vests and footwear.
Innovation Solution
A size-adjustable woven fabric using heat-shrink polymer materials and electrically conducting threads, where the heat-shrink polymer threads can be expanded or contracted by heating with a conducting thread, allowing for continuous size adjustment between any two states, enabling a 'one-size-fits-all' or 'one-size-fits-many' solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory alloys or heat-recoverable fabrics are used for size adjustment, then the fabric can change size, but the adjustment is limited to discrete positions only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the heat-shrink polymer material's response to temperature changes. The fabric can be heated to different temperatures to achieve continuous size adjustment between any two states, rather than being limited to discrete positions. This allows for precise control of the fabric dimensions by varying the heating parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the fabric size continuously adjustable rather than fixed at discrete positions. The heat-shrink polymer material enables the fabric to dynamically change its dimensions in response to thermal input, allowing for real-time size adjustment to achieve optimal fit.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional size adjustment mechanisms like straps and buckles are used, then the structure remains simple, but the fit precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical size adjustment mechanisms (straps, buckles, hooks) with a thermal field-based system. By using heat-shrink polymer material that responds to thermal input, the fabric can adjust its size through heating, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems while achieving superior fit precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the heat-shrink polymer material to achieve precise size adjustment. By controlling the temperature parameter, the fabric can be resized continuously to match the wearer's dimensions exactly, providing superior fit precision compared to discrete mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If heat-shrink polymer material is used for continuous size adjustment, then fit precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent or pulsed heating rather than continuous heating to achieve size adjustment. The heat-shrink polymer material can be heated to the required temperature, allowed to cool and set in the new configuration, and then reheated for further adjustment if needed. This periodic heating approach reduces overall energy consumption compared to maintaining continuous heat.
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 a fabric that can be repeatedly resized over a continuum of sizes, ensuring a precise fit for wearers by using heat-shrink polymer materials that can expand or contract based on temperature, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by allowing for flexible and customizable sizing.
Implementation Method 1
the first set of threads can be heated by means of a conducting thread
Implementation Method 2
heated to above its crystalline melting point, so as to create an expanded state
Implementation Method 3
the expanded heat-shrink polymer material has the ability to return to its original state when it is heated above the crystalline melting point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A size-adjustable woven fabric comprises a first set of threads (10a-10i), each formed of a heat-shrink polymer material, at least one conducting thread (20), formed of an electrically conducting material, wherein the first set of threads (10a-10i) runs substantially parallel with each other, and wherein the conducting thread (20) runs substantially across the first set of threads (10a-10i). There is further disclosed a wearable item comprising such a size-adjustable fabric, as well as methods of expanding and reducing size of such a size-adjustable fabric. There is further disclosed footwear and protective wear comprising such size-adjustable fabric.